Morpho-anatomical and histochemical responses of Typha domingensis Pers. (TYPHACEAE) in oil-contaminated wetlands.

Typha domingensis is the most abundant species in a petroleum-contaminated area impacted by one of Brazil's largest environmental disasters in 2000. This pioneering study evaluates this species in situ and aims to analyze the anatomical and morphological differences in T. domingensis from the contaminated site compared to a nearby uncontaminated area (control). Morphological, anatomical, and histochemical analyses were performed, along with gas chromatography and fluorescence microscopy, to assess the plant's potential for petroleum uptake. Results indicated that individuals from the contaminated site developed longer leaves, produced phenolic compounds, and formed aerenchyma as adaptive responses to environmental stress, while leaf count remained unchanged, and no evidence of xenobiotic absorption was found. This lack of uptake likely explains the absence of significant growth inhibition or severe anatomical damage. These findings suggest that T. domingensis has successfully adapted to the contaminated environment, possibly using petroleum degradation by-products to enhance its growth. Its anatomical and histochemical adaptations underscore its strong potential as a sustainable phytoremediation tool.