Abstract: This paper measured the leaf δ¹³C value and main physiological indices of three types of halophytes in Ebinur Lake Wetland Nature Reserve of Xinjiang. These three types of halophytes were all C₃ plants, and had no significant differences in the δ¹³C value and water use efficiency. Among the three types of halophytes, euhalophytes had the greatest capacity to suck and store water, while recretohalophytes had the greatest endurance against salt stress. Water shortage exerted negative effects on the leaf δ¹³C value, contents of protein, praline, soluble sugars, and nitrate, and activity of nitrate reductase. The salt condition in the Reserve did not cause stress on the recretohalophytes and pseudohalophytes, but had negative effects on the euhalophytes in their existence.

Key words: Cd²⁺, Pollution of heavy metal, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Antioxidant enzyme systems, Ultrastructure