The effect of different aquatic habitats on photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic pigments, protein and peroxidase enzyme activity in Azolla filiculoides Lam

The growth and development of aquatic plants depends to environmental factors such as light, temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, organic and mineral materials. The purpose of this study was to investigate some physiological responses of Azolla filiculoides Lam. to the pH, electrical conductivity, salinity and dissolved oxygen in different aquatic habitats of Babolsar city. Azolla in green and red colors was collected from the canal around the rice field and rice field in Ojaksar area and Azizak wetland in four replicates and transferred to the laboratory. The study of water parameters showed the pH level among the habitats was slightly but significantly different and the rice field had significantly higher electrical conductivity, salinity and lower soluble oxygen content than the other habitats. The results showed the content of pigments, protein and peroxidase activity in both Azolla collected from rice field were significantly higher than those of other two habitats. Although the percentage of dry matter, protein, anthocyanin, total nitrogen and phosphorus content of red Azolla in all tree habitats were significantly higher than the green Azolla and it seems the red Azolla has probably a higher ability to absorb the essential elements and synthesize organic compounds than the green Azolla.