Physiological responses of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L) exposed to air and soil pollution near the industrial complex in Sfax, Tunisia

International audienceThis study aims to evaluate the impact of complex air and soil pollutions on date palm plants (Phoenix dactylifera), one of the most important commercially valuable crops in Tunisia. These field experiments were performed in the vicinity of the industrial complex in the south of Tunisia (Sfax) for the polluted samples and in unpolluted areas for control date palm plants. Several biomarkers were studied belonging mainly to the antioxidant system like enzymes or antioxidant compounds.Mains results indicate that air and sol pollution induced an oxidative stress as demonstrated by an increase in the rate of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation in all plant parts. This stress affects chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of leaves. Additionally, the activities of enzymes involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification were affected. Air and soil pollution induce an increase in the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Moreover, in polluted date palm plants the contents of antioxidant molecules like polyphenols and proline increase strongly, this is consistent with the role of these potent antioxidants in scavenging ROS. The present study evidenced the deleterious effects of industrial activity on antioxidative defense system of Phoenix dactylifera, an important crop species spreading in arid region of Tunisia