Antioxidants in Norway spruce needles at field plots in the vicinity of a thermal power plant in Slovenia

Results of antioxidant analyses such as vitamin C and E, water soluble thio ls and beta-carotene in Norway spruce needles at sampling sites influenced by the Thermal Power Plant in Sostanj, Slovenia are presented. These antiox idants were analysed in current and one year old needles sampled in Septemb er 1997 at ten permanent sampling sites. The antioxidant response of Norway spruce needles is compared to the air pollution load, assessed by total su lphur content of needles, and general environmental stress factors connecte d with the sampling site. From the results obtained it is possible to draw logical conclusions about the physiological role and behaviour of the bioch emical needle stress indicators analysed and to explain their status as a r esult of the air pollution load and environmental stresses.