Abstract Halophytes were found to accumulate HM ions in their tissues; therefore, they are potentially useful for remediation of soil contaminated by salt or HM. In this study, we evaluated the effect of Cd 2+ on the characteristics of mesophyll, pigments, and lipid profile of the photosynthetic organelles of the halophyte Suaeda salsa . Seeds were sprouted in distilled water for 1–3 days and then sown in containers with sand. Plants were watered with Robinson’s nutrient solution. After 3 months, plants were divided into two groups: experimental and control. In the experimental group, soil was treated with 200 µM Cd(NO 3 ) 2 for 24 hours. Our findings suggest that Cd 2+ causes changes in the anatomical structure of the leaf and the ultrastructure of the photosynthetic organelles in S. salsa due to alterations in the composition of lipids and fatty acids.