Fluxes of oxidised and reduced nitrogen above a mixed coniferous forest exposed to various nitrogen emission sources

Concentrations of nitrogen gases (NH(3), NO(2), NO, HONO and HNO(3)) and particles (pNH(4) and pNO(3)) were measured over a mixed coniferous forest impacted by high nitrogen loads. Nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) represented the main nitrogen form, followed by nitric oxide (NO) and ammonia (NH(3)). A combination of gradient method (NH(3) and NO(x)) and resistance modelling techniques (HNO(3), HONO, pNH(4) and pNO(3)) was used to calculate dry deposition of nitrogen compounds. Net flux of NH(3) amounted to -64 ng N m(-2) s(-1) over the measuring period. Net fluxes of NO(x) were upward (8.5 ng N m(-2) s(-1)) with highest emission in the morning. Fluxes of other gases or aerosols substantially contributed to dry deposition. Total nitrogen deposition was estimated at -48 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1) and consisted for almost 80% of NH(x). Comparison of throughfall nitrogen with total deposition suggested substantial uptake of reduced N (+/-15 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1)) within the canopy.     

Throughfall below grassland canopies: a comparison of conventional and ion exchange methods

Sampling of canopy fluxes (throughfall and stemflow) below low structured vegetation with a small-scale, intricate canopy architecture is difficult, and representative sampling with most methods is questionable. In the present study, two sampling methods for canopy fluxes below grassland vegetation are compared. Method I sampled canopy fluxes of moisture inefficiently, because stemflow volumes were not quantitatively included. Canopy fluxes of ions calculated with method I necessitated assumptions on equal concentrations in actually sampled throughfall and non-sampled stemflow. Method II sampled canopy fluxes of ions quantitatively, because the total volume of throughfall and stemflow percolated through a mixed bed of ion exchange resins below the canopy. Ion-specific differences between the two methods were observed. For ions with foliar leaching, such as K+ and Ca2+, higher canopy fluxes were recorded with method II than with method I. In contrast, for ions with foliar uptake, such as NH4+ and NO3-, canopy fluxes were found to be less with method II than with method I. Canopy fluxes of inorganic nitrogen below Mesobrometum grassland were 2.35 and 1.52 kmol(c) ha(-1) year(-1) for methods I and II, respectively, and 2.85 and 7.90 kmol(c) ha(-1) year(-1) for K+. It is argued that these differences result from under-estimated (foliar leaching) or over-estimated (foliar uptake) concentrations in stemflow by the first method. Canopy fluxes for SO4(2-) were not statistically different, indicating that canopy exchange of SOx was quantitatively unimportant, and that both methods estimated atmospheric input equally well.     

Dry deposition of nitrogen and sulfur to Ponderosa and Jeffrey pine in the San Bernardino national forest in Southern California

Little is known about the concentrations, deposition rates, and effects of nitrogenous and sulfurous compounds in photochemical smog in the San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF) in southern California. Dry deposition of NO(3)(-) and NH(4)(+) to foliage of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Laws.) and Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi Grev. & Balf.) was correlated (R = 0.83-0.88) with historical average hourly O(3) concentations at 10 sites across an O(3) gradient in the SBNF. Mean deposition fluxes of NO(3)(-) to ponderosa and Jeffrey pine branches were 0.82 nmol M(-2)s(-1) at Camp Paivika (CP), a high-pollution site, and 0.19 nmol m(-2) s(-1) at Camp Osceola (CAO), a low-pollution site. Deposition fluxes of NH(4)(+) were 0.32 nmol m(-2) s(-1) at CP and 0.17 nmol m(-2) s(-1) at CAO, while mean values for SO(4)(2-) were 0.03 at CP and 0.02 nmol m(-2) s(-1) at CAO. Deposition fluxes to paper and nylon filters were higher in most cases than fluxes to pine branches at the same site. The results of this study suggest that an atmospheric concentration and deposition gradient of N and S compounds occurs along with the west-east O(3) gradient in the SBNF. Annual stand-level dry deposition rates for S and N at CP and CAO were estimated. Further studies are needed to determine if high N deposition loads in the SBNF significantly affect plant/soil nutrient relations, tree health, and the response of ponderosa pine to ozone.     

Emission of NOx from urine-treated pasture

Emission of NO(x) from urine-treated pasture was determined using a system of enclosures coupled to a chemiluminescence NO(x) analyser. Rates of emission ranged from 0 to 190 microg NO(x) - Nm(-2)h(-1), with a mean of 43 microg N m(-2) h(-1). The lowest rates were associated with periods of heavy or persistent rain. On average, NO comprised 68% of the NO(x) produced. Emissions of NO(x) were apparently associated with the nitrification of ammonium N derived from hydrolysis of organic N constituents in the urine applied. Emissions from untreated pasture occurred at a mean rate of 1.7 microg NO(x) -N m(-2) h(-1). NO(x) comprised only a small proportion (<0.1%) of the emission of other nitrogenous gases (NH(3), N(2) and N(2)O) following application of urine. The mean rate of NO(x) emission suggested a total release to the atmosphere of 2.3 x 10(-8) g N year(-1) from urine returned to pasture in the UK. This loss is not significant in agronomic terms and is equivalent to only 0.04% of the estimated anthropogenic emissions for the UK.     

Dry deposition of O3, SO2, and HNO3 to different vegetation in the same exposure environment

Agricultural meteorological modeling techniques are used to investigate the relative and absolute dry deposition fluxes of SO2 (as sulfur), HNO3 (as nitrogen) and O3 to large fields of maize, soybeans, and alfalfa exposed in conditions as measured in northern Illinois, central Pennsylvania, and eastern Tennessee. For HNO3, the differences in seasonal deposition rates among the three types of plant species are small. Within the same environment, the soybean canopy has the potential to receive substantially more gaseous dry deposition of SO2 and O3 than the maize and alfalfa (which are about the same), as a result of lower stomatal resistance and consequently higher deposition velocities. Deposition differences among the sites are small except for the case of SO2, for which deposition rates estimated for northern Illinois are nearly double those at the other locations. The high SO2 deposition at the northern Illinois location is a consequence of the higher air concentrations observed there.     

Nitrogen oxide fluxes between corn (Zea mays L.) leaves and the atmosphere

In the United States, fertilized corn fields, which make up approximately 5% of the total land area, account for approximately 45% of total soil NO_x emissions. Leaf chamber measurements were conducted of NO and NO₂ fluxes between individual corn leaves and the atmosphere in (1) field-grown plants near Champaign, IL (USA) in order to assess the potential role of corn canopies in mitigating soil–NO_x emissions to the atmosphere, and (2) greenhouse-grown plants in order to study the influence of various environmental variables and physiological factors on the dynamics of NO₂ flux. In field-grown plants, fluxes of NO were small and inconsistent from plant to plant. At ambient NO concentrations between 0.1 and 0.3 ppbv, average fluxes were zero. At ambient NO concentrations above 1 ppbv, NO uptake occurred, but fluxes were so small (14.3±0.0 pmol m⁻² s⁻¹) as to be insignificant in the NO_x inventory for this site. In field-grown plants, NO₂ was emitted to the atmosphere at ambient NO₂ concentrations below 0.9 ppbv (the NO₂ compensation point), with the highest rate of emission being 50 pmol m⁻² s⁻¹ at 0.2 ppbv. NO₂ was assimilated by corn leaves at ambient NO₂ concentrations above 0.9 ppbv, with the maximum observed uptake rate being 643 pmol m⁻² s⁻¹ at 6 ppbv. When fluxes above 0.9 ppbv are standardized for ambient NO₂ concentration, the resultant deposition velocity was 1.2±0.1 mm s⁻¹. When scaled to the entire corn canopy, NO₂ uptake rates can be estimated to be as much as 27% of the soil-emitted NO_x. In greenhouse-grown and field-grown leaves, NO₂ deposition velocity was dependent on incident photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD; 400–700 nm), whether measured above or below the NO₂ compensation point. The shape of the PPFD dependence, and its response to ambient humidity in an experiment with greenhouse-grown plants, led to the conclusion that stomatal conductance is a primary determinant of the PPFD response. However, in field-grown leaves, measured NO₂ deposition velocities were always lower than those predicted by a model solely dependent on stomatal conductance. It is concluded that NO₂ uptake rate is highest when N availability is highest, not when the leaf deficit for N is highest. It is also concluded that the primary limitations to leaf-level NO₂ uptake concern both stomatal and mesophyll components.     

Air-substrate mercury exchange associated with landfill disposal of coal combustion products

Previous laboratory studies have shown that lignite-derived fly ash emitted mercury (Hg) to the atmosphere, whereas bituminous- and subbituminous-derived fly ash samples adsorbed Hg from the air. In addition, wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) materials were found to have higher Hg emission rates than fly ash. This study investigated in situ Hg emissions at a blended bituminous-subbituminous ash landfill in the Great Lakes area and a lignite-derived ash and FGD solids landfill in the Midwestern United States using a dynamic field chamber. Fly ash and saturated FGD materials emitted Hg to atmosphere at low rates (-0.1 to 1.2 ng/ m2hr), whereas FGD material mixed with fly ash and pyrite exhibited higher emission rates (approximately 10 ng/m2hr) but were still comparable with natural background soils (-0.3 to 13 ng/ m2hr). Air temperature, solar radiation, and relative humidity were important factors correlated with measured Hg fluxes. Field study results were not consistent with corresponding laboratory observations in that fluxes measured in the latter were higher and more variable. This is hypothesized to be partially an artifact of the flux measurement methods.     

Atmospheric input of elements to forest ecosystems: a method of estimation using artificial foliage placed above rain collectors

Usefulness of a method of artificial foliage was tested for estimation of total ionic inputs from the atmosphere to forest ecosystems, as well as of processes relevant to ionic fluxes through tree canopies: uptake, leaching, passive flow. The studies were performed in Norway spruce and European beech stands in Karkonosze Mountains (Poland), in 1995-97. Artificial leaves of increasing leaf area index: 0, 2, 6 and 12 m(2) m(-2 )were placed above standard rain collectors. It has been found that total atmospheric fluxes of H(+), NH(4)(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Pb(2+), NO(3)(-) and SO(4)(2-) rose as surface area of the foliage increased. This was especially true for nitrate, sulphate and ammonium. No such relationship was found for K(+), Na(+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), Cu(2+) and PO(4)(3-). The increase in anion fluxes exceeded that in neutralising cations (NH(4)(+), Na(+), K(+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+)) and led to progressive rainwater acidification with the increase in the foliage area. An analysis of net canopy exchange (atmospheric input-throughfall flux) has shown that SO(4)(2-), PO(4)(3-), Na(+), Ca(2+) and Cu(2+) flowed passively through the tree crowns; NH(4)(+), NO(3)(-), Zn(2+), Cd(2+) and occasionally Pb(2+) were efficiently absorbed, whereas K(+) was leached from the canopies. Beech was more effective in modifying ionic pool from the atmosphere than spruce. This related to H(+) (greater absorption) and Mg(2+) (greater leaching). It has been demonstrated that the results concerning trends in net canopy exchange and produced by the simple method of artificial foliage are comparable to more sophisticated techniques of the measurements. This proves the method to be useful.     

Seasonal variation in the atmospheric deposition of inorganic constituents and canopy interactions in a Japanese cedar forest

The seasonal changes in throughfall (TF) and stemflow (SF) chemistry and the canopy interactions of K+ and N compounds were studied in a Japanese cedar forest near the Sea of Japan. The fluxes of most ions, including non-sea-salt SO4(2-), from TF, SF, and rainfall showed distinct seasonal trends, increasing from autumn to winter, owing to the seasonal west wind, while the fluxes of NH4+ and K+ ions from TF+SF might have a large effect of canopy interactions. The contact angle (CA) of water droplets on leaves decreased with leaf aging, suggesting that surface wettability increases with leaf age. The K+ concentration in TF was negatively correlated with the CA of 1-year-old leaves, while the NH4+ concentration was positively correlated with the CA. The net fluxes of NH4+ and NO3(-) from TF were positively correlated with the CA. The increase in wettability may accelerate leaching of K+ or uptake of NH4+.     

The effects of land use change on mercury distribution in soils of Alta Floresta, Southern Amazon

This study presents the spatial distribution, degree of contamination and storage capacity of Hg in surface forest and pasture soils from Alta Floresta, Southern Amazon, a significant gold mining site from 1980 to 1996. During that period, average annual gold production was about 6.5 tons, with an estimated Hg annual emission to the environment of about 8.8 tons, 60-80% of it being emitted to the atmosphere. Mercury sources to the region are mining sites and gold-dealer shops at the city of Alta Floresta, where gold is smelted and commercialized. Mercury concentrations in forest soils (15-248 ng g(-1), average=61.9 ng g(-1)) were 1.5-3.0 times higher than in pasture soils (10-74 ng g(-1), average=33.8 ng g(-1)), suggesting strong re-mobilization after deforestation. Highest Hg concentrations were found within a distance of 20-30 km from mining sites in both soil types. The influence of the refining operations within the city of Alta Floresta, however, was less clear. Somewhat higher concentrations were observed only within a 5 km radius from the city center where gold-dealer shops are located. Wind direction controls the spatial distribution of Hg. Background concentrations (15-50 ng g(-1)) were generally found at the outer perimeter of the sampling grid, about 40 km from sources. This suggests that Hg released from mining and refining activities undergoes rapid deposition. Estimated cumulative Hg burdens for the first 10 cm of soil averaged 8.3 mg m(-2) and 4.9 mg m(-2), for forest and pasture soils respectively and compare well with ultisols and hydromorphic oxisols, but were lower than those found in yellow-red and yellow latosols and podsols from other Amazonian areas. Our results show that changing land use in the Amazon is a strong re-mobilizing agent of Hg deposited on soils from the atmosphere.     

Stack Sampling of Organic Compounds: Application to the Measurement of Catalytic Incinerator Efficiency

Abstract

Ozone dry deposition fluxes and velocities were measured in 1994 in a semi–arid steppe of central Spain and in a forest in southern France during the period of photochemical activity using the gradient method. Downward fluxes were systematically obtained in both sites, with lower values at nighttime and maximum values during the central period of the day, which showed the important role of stomata in ozone uptake. The range of deposition velocities was –0.005 to 1.160 in the forested site and 0.001 to 1.430 cm s–1 in the semi–arid steppe. The nocturnal deposition velocities observed in the semi–arid steppe were considerably higher than in the forest, with values up to 0.35 cm s–1.

A single layer canopy model was applied and validated at both sites. The model fitted the daily patterns well but underestimated the observed values by 34% in the forest and by 10% in the semi–arid steppe. To improve the accuracy of the model, both soil and internal stomatal resistances, Rsoil and Ri, were estimated using a least square technique. The interdependence of both parameters and the relative humidity, rH, was evaluated through a statistical analysis of the residual between the observed deposition velocity and the aerodynamic, sub–layer, and stomatal resistances. The comparison between the parameter estimates under wet and dry conditions in both sites showed (1) the influence of rH on stomatal parameter and soil resistance, (2) the large contribution of stomatal conductance to ozone uptake during the daytime, and (3) the importance of soil as an additional pathway for ozone exchange, especially in the steppe. Taking into account the parameter estimates, the underestimate of the modeled results was 3% in the forest and 5% in the semi–arid steppe.     

Modeling above-canopy CO2 flux and evapotranspiration in wheat

Simulations of above-canopy water vapor and CO2 fluxes were calculated by the USGF linked model of canopy gas exchange and subsurface processes for the 1996-1997 winter wheat season at the AmeriFlux Wheat Site, Oklahoma. Soil surface CO2 flux plus canopy gas exchange and transpiration plus soil evaporation modeled the CO2 and water vapor fluxes, respectively. Parameter values for net photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration were obtained from published sources, generated from Wheat Site data, or estimated by minimizing standard deviation between model and data. The mean measured downward flux of CO2 during rapid growth and maturity of the crop was -0.45 mg m(-2) s(-1) compared to simulated flux of -0.47. Simulated downward CO2 flux exceeded measured values during rapid growth of the crop but underestimated the flux during maturity. For the entire 285-day period, the mean measured upward CO2 flux at night was 0.06 and simulated flux was 0.05.     

Mercury mobility in a salt marsh colonised by Halimione portulacoides

The present study intends to increase the knowledge on the mobility of mercury in a salt marsh colonised by Halimione portulacoides. Mercury distribution in the sediment layers and its incorporation into the plant biomass were assessed, as well as the potential export of mercury from the contaminated area to the adjacent environment. Mercury pools in the sediments ranged from 560 to 943 mg m(-2) and are largely associated with the solid fraction, with just a small amount being associated with the pore waters. Estimated diffusive fluxes of reactive mercury ranged from 1.3 to 103 ng m(-2) d(-1). Despite the above ground biomass values being comparatively higher than below ground biomass values, the mercury pools were much higher in the root system (0.06-0.16 mg m(-2) and 29-102 mg m(-2), respectively). The annual bioaccumulation of mercury in above ground tissues was estimated in 0.11 mg m(-2) y(-1), while in below ground biomass the values were higher (7 2mg m(-2) y(-1)). The turnover rates of H. portulacoides biomass suggest higher mercury mobility within the plant rhizosphere. Taking into account the pools of mercury in above ground biomass, the export of mercury by macro-detritus following the "outwelling hypothesis" is not significant for the mercury balance in the studied ecosystem. The mercury accumulated in the below ground part of the plant is quite mobile, being able to return to the sediment pool throughout the mineralisation process.     

Role of climate, crown position, tree age and altitude in calculated ozone flux into needles of Picea abies and Pinus cembra: a synthesis

Ozone (O(3)) flux into Norway spruce (Picea abies) and cembran pine (Pinus cembra) needles was estimated under ambient conditions at six rural sites between 580 and 1950 m a.s.l. We also assessed age-related differences in O(3) flux by examining changes in leaf conductance across the life span of Norway spruce. At the leaf level O(3) flux into the needles was effectively controlled by stomatal conductance and, hence by factors such as temperature, irradiance and humidity, which control stomatal conductance. Seasonal variations in O(3) flux were mainly attributed to the course of the prevailing temperature. During the growing season, however, data have emphasised leaf-air vapour pressure difference as the environmental factor most likely to control stomatal conductance and O(3) flux into the needles. In the sun crown stomatal conductance averaged over the growing season decreased with increasing tree age from 42.0+/-3.5 mmol O(3) m(-2) s(-1) in 17-year-old trees to 7.1+/-1.0 mmol O(3) m(-2) s(-1) in 216-year-old trees, indicating that O(3) concentration in the substomatal cavities is higher in young than in old trees. Independent from tree age stomatal conductance and O(3) flux were approximately 50% lower in shade needles as compared to sun-exposed needles. Stomatal conductance was also greater in the current flush (24+/-5.6 mmol O(3) m(-2) s(-1)) and in 1-year old needles (16+/-4 mmol O(3) m(-2) s(-1)) than in older needle age classes (12+/-1 mmol O(3) m(-2) s(-1), averaged across the four older needle age classes). In trees similar in age (60-65 years old) average O(3) flux into sun needles increased from 0.55+/-0.36 nmol m(-2) s(-1) at the valley floor to 0.9 nmol m(-2) s(-1) in 1950 m a.s.l. Cumulative O(3) uptake during the vegetation period increased from 11.4+/-1.7 mol m(-2) in the valley to 14 mol m(-2) at the alpine timberline. Although stomatal conductance provides the principal limiting factor for O(3) flux, additional field research is necessary in order to improve our understanding concerning the quantitative 'physiological threshold dose' which internally can be active and can have adverse effects of O(3) on forest trees.     

An inventory of nitric oxide emissions from soils in China

The emission of NO was parameterized using empirical relationships with landuse type, fertilization rate and soil temperature. Eight landuse types (including four arable lands) were considered. Fertilization rates were distinguished for different regions and crops. A typical summer period of July in 1999 was chosen for detailed calculations. The total NO emission in the July is 141.1 Gg N, with 73.7% from arable lands and 22.0% from grasslands. The highest emission intensity can be more than 40 ng N m(-2) s(-1) in the heavily fertilized North China Plain, and the average of the whole lands is 6.5 ng N m(-2) s(-1). The annual emission was roughly estimated to be 657 Gg N, about 11.7% of the global total (5600 Gg N, reported by IPCC in 2000), and about 12.5% of the anthropogenic origin in China. Our results were compared with some earlier findings, and uncertainties were discussed.     

Defining the spatial impacts of poultry farm ammonia emissions on species composition of adjacent woodland groundflora using Ellenberg Nitrogen Index,nitrous oxide and nitric oxide emissions and foliar nitrogen as marker variables

The marker variables, Ellenberg Nitrogen Index, nitrous oxide and nitric oxide fluxes and foliar nitrogen, were used to define the impacts of NH3 deposition from nearby livestock buildings on species composition of woodland ground flora, using a woodland site close to a major poultry complex in the UK. The study centred on 2 units in close proximity to each other, containing 350,000 birds, and estimated to emit around 140,000 kg N year(-1) as NH3. Annual mean concentrations of NH3 close to the buildings were very large (60 microg m(-3)) and declined to 3 microg m(-3) at a distance of 650 m from the buildings. Estimated total N deposition ranged from 80 kg N ha(-1) year(-1) at a distance of 30 m to 14 kg N ha(-1) year(-1) at 650 m downwind. Emissions of N2O and NO were 56 and 131 microg N m(-2) h(-1), respectively at 30 m and 13 and 80 microg N m(-2) h(-1), respectively at 250 m downwind of the livestock buildings. Species number in woodland ground flora downwind of the buildings remained fairly constant for a distance of 200 m from the units then increased considerably, doubling at a distance of 650 m. Within the first 200 m downwind, trends in plant species composition were hard to discern because of variations in tree canopy composition and cover. The mean Ellenberg N Index ranged from 6.0 immediately downwind of the livestock buildings to 4.8 at 650 m downwind. The mean abundance weighted Ellenberg N Index also declined with distance from the buildings. Tissue N concentrations in trees, herbs and mosses were all large, reflecting the substantial ammonia emissions at this site. Tissue N content of ectohydric mosses ranged from approximately 4% at 30 m downwind to 1.6% at 650 m downwind. An assessment of the relative merits of the three marker variables concludes, that while Ellenberg Index and trace gas fluxes of N2O and NO give broad indications of impacts of ammonia emissions on woodland vegetation, the application of a critical foliar N content for ectohydric mosses is the most useful method for providing spatial information which could be of value to policy developers and planners.     

Atmospheric concentrations and air-sea exchanges of nonylphenol, tertiary octylphenol and nonylphenol monoethoxylate in the North Sea

Concentrations of nonylphenol isomers (NP), tertiary octylphenol (t-OP) and nonylphenol monoethoxylate isomers (NP1EO) have been simultaneously determined in the sea water and atmosphere of the North Sea. A decreasing concentration profile appeared following the distance increasing from the coast to the central part of the North Sea. Air-sea exchanges of t-OP and NP were estimated using the two-film resistance model based upon relative air-water concentrations and experimentally derived Henry's law constant. The average of air-sea exchange fluxes was -12+/-6 ng m(-2)day(-1) for t-OP and -39+/-19 ng m(-2)day(-1) for NP, which indicates a net deposition is occurring. These results suggest that the air-sea vapour exchange is an important process that intervenes in the mass balance of alkylphenols in the North Sea.     

Fluxes of trichloroacetic acid through a conifer forest canopy

Controlled-dosing experiments with conifer seedlings have demonstrated an above-ground route of uptake for trichloroacetic acid (TCA) from aqueous solution into the canopy, in addition to uptake from the soil. The aim of this work was to investigate the loss of TCA to the canopy in a mature conifer forest exposed only to environmental concentrations of TCA by analysing above- and below-canopy fluxes of TCA and within-canopy instantaneous reservoir of TCA. Concentrations and fluxes of TCA were quantified for one year in dry deposition, rainwater, cloudwater, throughfall, stemflow and litterfall in a 37-year-old Sitka spruce and larch plantation in SW Scotland. Above-canopy TCA deposition was dominated by rainfall (86%), compared with cloudwater (13%) and dry deposition (1%). On average only 66% of the TCA deposition passed through the canopy in throughfall and stemflow (95% and 5%, respectively), compared with 47% of the wet precipitation depth. Consequently, throughfall concentration of TCA was, on average, approximately 1.4 x rainwater concentration. There was no significant difference in below-canopy fluxes between Sitka spruce and larch, or at a forest-edge site. Annual TCA deposited from the canopy in litterfall was only approximately 1-2% of above-canopy deposition. On average, approximately 800 microg m(-2) of deposited TCA was lost to the canopy per year, compared with estimates of above-ground TCA storage of approximately 400 and approximately 300 microg m(-2) for Sitka spruce and larch, respectively. Taking into account likely uncertainties in these values ( approximately +/- 50%), these data yield an estimate for the half-life of within-canopy elimination of TCA in the range 50-200 days, assuming steady-state conditions and that all TCA lost to the canopy is transferred into the canopy material, rather than degraded externally. The observations provide strong indication that an above-ground route is important for uptake of TCA specifically of atmospheric origin into mature forest canopies, as has been shown for seedlings (in addition to uptake from soil via transpiration), and that annualized within-canopy elimination is similar to that in controlled-dosing experiments.     

Visible leaf injury in young trees of Fagus sylvatica L. and Quercus robur L. in relation to ozone uptake and ozone exposure. An Open-Top Chambers experiment in South Alpine environmental conditions

An Open-Top Chambers experiment on Fagus sylvatica and Quercus robur seedlings was conducted in order to compare the performance of an exposure-based (AOT40) and a flux-based approaches in predicting the appearance of ozone visible injuries on leaves. Three different ozone treatments (charcoal-filtered; non-filtered; and open plots) and two soil moisture treatments (watered and non-watered plots) were performed. A Jarvisian stomatal conductance model was drawn up and parameterised for both species and typical South Alpine environmental conditions, thus allowing the calculation of ozone stomatal fluxes for every treatment. A critical ozone flux level for the onset of leaf visible injury in beech was clearly identified between 32.6 and 33.6 mmolO3 m(-2). In contrast, it was not possible to identify an exposure critical level using the AOT40 index. Water stress delayed the onset of the leaf visible injuries, but the flux-based approach was able to take it into account accurately.