Bioindicators in Air Pollution Research - Applications and Contraints : Biologic Markers of Air-Pollution Stress and Damage in Forests. Workshop Papers

1989

S. 73-80

1 Tab., 1 Abb., 10 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200069279

Physical and chemical measurements of air pollutants provide a precise measure of pollutant exposure which is frequently used to estimate probable biological impacts. In contrast, a biological response to the exposure indicates if the exposure had a biological effect. The biological response integrates the pollutant exposure and the modifying factors of genotype, climate and edaphic conditions. There is a growing interest in developing and using bioindicators to detect early changes in plant performance. Bioindicators may be classified as either accumulators of the pollutant or reactors to the pollutant. The ultimate selection of a bioindicator(s) depends on the pollutant and the ultimate use of the data. A bioindicator should: (1) provide a readily detectable response to the pollutant; (2) be easy and efficient to use; (3) be readily related to the response(s) of interest; and (4) have a distinctive syndrome not readily confused with other causes. Bioindicators clearly have value in assessing environmental problems, but, at most, they are only indicators of a problem. Corrective or mitigative actions require additional data (e.g., air monitoring).