Histochemical methods for detection of heavy metals and strontium in the tissues of higher plants

Elaboration and application of histochemical methods for detection of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn) and strontium for the purpose of investigating their distribution, accumulation, and translocation within the tissues of higher plants are discussed. Detailed protocols of metal detection with metallochrome indicators dithizone (Cd, Pb), dimethylglyoxime (Ni), sodium rhodizonate (Sr), zincon (Zn), and fluorescent indicator Zinpyr-1 (Zn) by light and fluorescence microscopy are described. Special attention is given to interpretation of the obtained results, advantages and drawbacks of these methods, as well as potential problems associated with histochemical analysis of distribution of heavy metals and strontium.