Biomarkers for Defining Air Pollution Effects in Western Coniferous Forests : Biologic Markers of Air-Pollution Stress and Damage in Forests. Workshop Papers

1989

S. 111-118

19 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200069315

Biologic Markers of Air-Pollution Stress and Damage in Forests : Workshop Papers : Biologic Markers of Air-Pollution Stress and Damage in Forests. Workshop Papers, S. 111-118

Biomarkers, as discussed in this paper, are considered to be tissue level or whole plant level changes which can be directly related to air pollution exposure. In western coniferous forests the markers used most frequently include visible injury to foliage, histological changes in needle tissue, elemental contents of leaf tissue (sulfur, fluoride, etc.). The pattern of markers is more effective in indicating the cause of observed effects than a single marker. The evaluation of air pollution effects is improved by measuring the concentration of suspected pollutants, sampling plants along gradients of decreasing pollutant deposition, and controlled exposures of seedlings or small trees in enclosures comparing ambient with carbon-filtered air. Land managers need rapid methods of assessment of air pollution effects because large numbers of trees are involved. At the same time more specific and convenient markers are needed to distinguish the effects of air pollution from other abiotic stress.