C. Trimbacher et P. Weiss, Needle surface characteristics and element contents of Norway spruce in relation to the distance of emission sources, ENVIR POLLU, 105(1), 1999, pp. 111-119
Needle surface characteristics, i.e., epistomatal wax quality, occurrence o
f dust, microorganisms and gypsum-crystallites investigated under a scannin
g electron microscope (SEM), and element contents of current-year spruce ne
edles (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) were analyzed at sites with different pollu
tion levels (background, industry, conurbation area, motorway) in Austria.
The wax quality as evaluated by a recently developed quantification method,
was significantly poorer at all sites with a higher pollution level. Dust
particles and gypsum-crystallites were only detected on needles from sites
located in the vicinity of pollutant sources. No significant differences be
tween the sites were found for the occurrence of microorganisms on stomata.
Significantly lower needle contents of the elements N, P, Ca, K, Mg, S, Cu
and Zn were found at background sites. Several nutrient elements were dete
cted in the dust layer on needle surfaces from sites influenced by pollutan
t sources. The evaluation of the nutritional status of spruce stands using
the element contents of unwashed needle material in areas influenced by emi
ssions was discussed in this respect. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All ri
ghts reserved.