Abstract
Within the framework of optical research it was established that on the unpolluted samples of sedge stems occurs structuring of material, whereas on contaminated and irradiated blurring of its structure takes place. Sampling of sedges and rushes for research was carried out in areas near the first dam Sorbulak. For comparison, samples of same materials were taken far away from populated areas. Irradiation was carried out with high-energy electrons with energy of 2 MeV and integral dose of 3·10 5 Gr. Irradiation leads to a more pronounced structuredness of material. There is a significant difference in the structural elements (epidermis, vascular bundles, parenchymal cells, etc.). There are traced dark spots and bands associated with the presence of huge amounts of heavy metals against the background of a green matrix.