What Do the Hydrocarbons from Trees Contribute to Air Pollution?

Plant species release appreciable quantities of volatile organic substances to the atmosphere. The major compounds emitted are monoterpenes (C₁₀) like α-pinene, β-pinene, and limonene and the hemiterpene (C5) isoprene. The rate of emission of isoprene is light dependent and ranges between 0.04 to 2.4 ppb/cm²/min/l for oak, cottonwood, and eucalyptus foliage. The rate of emission of a- and/3-pinene and limonene is dependent on the rate of transpiration, structural integrity of the oil cells and resin glands, and temperature of the foliage. Rates of emission for conifer foliage range from 0.4 to 3.5 ppb/g/min/l. An inventory of North American forest regions for the frequency of occurrence of these chemicals released by different tree species showed that 15% was the lowest value for a specific forest-type that emitted terpenes to the atmosphere. More commonly 100% of the trees of a given forest-type emitted terpenes to the atmosphere. An average of 70% is typical of the United States forested regions as a whole. The annual contribution of forest hydrocarbon emissions to the air pollution problem on a global basis is reflected in the 175 × 10⁶ tons of reactive hydrocarbons from tree foliage sources compared to the 27 × 10⁶ tons from man’s activities; in other words, there is a 6.2-fold greater emission level from natural sources than from man made sources. The fate of these gaseous olefins in the atmosphere is undetermined.     

Tree and Shrub Expansion Over the Past 34 Years at the Tree-Line Near Abisko,Sweden

Shrubs and trees are expected to expand in the sub-Arctic due to global warming. Our study was conducted in Abisko, sub-arctic Sweden. We recorded the change in coverage of shrub and tree species over a 32– to 34-year period, in three 50 × 50 m plots; in the alpine-tree-line ecotone. The cover of shrubs and trees (<3.5 cm diameter at breast height) were estimated during 2009–2010 and compared with historical documentation from 1976 to 1977. Similarly, all tree stems (≥3.5 cm) were noted and positions determined. There has been a substantial increase of cover of shrubs and trees, particularly dwarf birch (Betula nana), and mountain birch (Betula pubescens ssp. czerepanovii), and an establishment of aspen (Populus tremula). The other species willows (Salix spp.), juniper (Juniperus communis), and rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) revealed inconsistent changes among the plots. Although this study was unable to identify the causes for the change in shrubs and small trees, they are consistent with anticipated changes due to climate change and reduced herbivory.     

Effects of simulated acid rain and ozone on foliar chemistry of field-grown Pinus ponderosa seedlings and mature trees

We investigated the additive and interactive effects of simulated acid rain and elevated ozone on C and N contents, and the C:N ratio of one-year-old and current-year foliage of field-grown mature trees and their half-sib seedlings of a stress tolerant genotype of ponderosa pine. Acid rain levels (pH 5.1 and 3.0) were applied weekly to foliage only (no soil acidification or N addition), from January to April, 1992. Plants were exposed to two ozone levels (ambient and twice-ambient) during the day from September 1991 to November 1992. The sequential application of acid rain and elevated ozone mimicked the natural conditions. Twice-ambient ozone significantly decreased foliar N content (by 12-14%) and increased the C:N ratio of both one-year-old and current-year foliage of seedlings. Although similar ozone effects were also observed on one-year-old foliage of mature trees, the only statistically significant effect was an increased C:N ratio when twice-ambient ozone combined with pH 3.0 rain (acid rain by ozone interaction). Enhancing the effect of twice-ambient ozone in increasing the C:N ratio of one-year-old foliage of mature trees in June was the only significant effect of acid rain.     

The effect of simulated acid rain on the biochemical composition of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) needles

The effects of prolonged simulated acid rain on the biochemistry of Scots pine needles were studied in Finnish Lapland. Pine trees were exposed by spraying the foliage and soil with either clean water or simulated acid rain (SAR; both sulphuric and nitric acids) over the period 1985-1991. The concentrations of carbohydrates (starch, glucose, fructose, sucrose) in one-year-old pine needles were not affected by SAR-treatments. The SAR-treatments did not have significant effects on protein bound amino acids, which was true also for most of the free amino acids. However, the citrulline concentration was over three-fold greater in the foliage of pines exposed to SAR of pH 3 compared to irrigated controls. The concentrations of total phenolics, individual low molecular weight phenolics and soluble proanthocyanidins were not affected by the treatments, but insoluble proanthocyanidins had increased in acid-treated trees. Some of the studied biochemical compounds showed significant differences between two sub-areas (similar treatments) only 120 m apart.     

A review of ozone-induced effects on the forests of central Mexico

The first report on oxidant-induced plant damage in the Valley of Mexico was presented over 30 years ago. Ozone is known to occur in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area and elsewhere as the cause of chlorotic mottling on pine needles that are 2 years old or older as observed in 1976 on Pinus hartwegii and Pinus leiophylla. Visible evidences for the negative effects of ozone on the vegetation of central Mexico include foliar injury expressed as chlorotic mottling and premature defoliation on pines, a general decline of sacred fir, visible symptoms on native forest broadleaved species (e.g. Mexican black cherry). Recent investigations have also indicated that indirect effects are occurring such as limited root colonization by symbiotic fungi on ozone-damaged P. hartwegii trees and a negative influence of the pollutant on the natural regeneration of this species. The negative ozone-induced effects on the vegetation will most likely continue to increase.     

Beech foliage as a bioindicator of pollution near a waste incinerator

Since 1971 unshaded leaves from the top of marked beech trees (Fagus sylvatica L.) in the vicinity of a regional waste incinerator have been sampled every year in early September. The unwashed leaf samples were analyzed for the concentration of Cl- and, in some years, for 16 other elements. The operation of the waste incinerator distinctly increased the Cl- concentration in the foliage. When the flue gas filtration did not work properly, several other elements also accumulated (without any obvious dust accumulation). There were no significant correlations between precipitation and concentration of water-soluble elements in foliage samples. This suggested that precipitation was not accelerating foliar leaching so that the bioindication of pollutant accumulation is not restricted in foliage with a well developed cuticula.     

Relationships of ozone exposure to pine injury in the Sierra Nevada and San Bernardino Mountains of California, USA

Hourly ambient ozone exposure data and crown injury measurements were gathered in the Sierra Nevada and San Bernardino Mountains of California to develop relationships between the Ozone Injury Index (OII), the Forest Pest Management Index (FPM), chlorotic mottle, fascicle retention (OII index components) and cumulative ambient ozone indices for Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws and Pinus jeffreyi Grev. and Balf. Eleven sites located in the mixed conifer forest near ambient ozone monitoring sites were evaluated annually for 4 years. Four other sites in the San Bernardino Mountains were evaluated for 1 year. Analyses showed OII to be functionally equivalent (r2 = 0.96) to the FPM, and to depend only on fascicle retention and chlorotic mottle (R2 = 0.95) of the fourth whorl (or if four whorls are not present at the site, then the last whorl present for the majority of trees). Significant associations were found between OII and 4-year 24-h. summer SUM0, SUM06, W126 and HRS80 ozone indices. Three sites had higher levels of cumulative chlorotic mottle for individual whorls and larger numbers of trees with visible crown injury than other sites with similar cumulative ambient ozone levels. Including an indicator variable to discriminate between these two groups of sites increased R2 and decreased root mean square (RMSE) for all indices, especially SUM0 (R2 = 0.93, RMSE reduced by 46%).     

Ozone Injury to Pinus Strobus

In a study of the ozone-induced needle blight of eastern white pine in central New York, acute injuries naturally induced on field trees during a year of relatively low ozone concentrations (1 966) were compared with injuries induced during a year of higher concentrations (1967). Injuries were more frequent and severe and were associated with higher mean ozone concentrations in 1967 than in 1966. Characteristic symptoms were induced on foliage of pine branches exposed to controlled doses of ozone as low as 7 ± 1 pphm for four hours or 3 ± 1 pphm for 48 hours. Such doses were equalled or exceeded two and four times, respectively, in the field during the 1 967 season. Ozone sensitivity of pine needle tissue was increased by fumigation in atmospheres containing water mist. High concentrations of ozone (40-60 pphm) caused general injury of foliage of both ozone-susceptible and resistant trees; the symptoms were unlike those found in the field or caused by fumigation with low concentrations of ozone.     

Vegetative buffers for fan emissions from poultry farms: 1. temperature and foliar nitrogen

This study sought to evaluate the potential of trees planted around commercial poultry farms to trap ammonia (NH₃), the gas of greatest environmental concern to the poultry industry. Four plant species (Norway spruce, Spike hybrid poplar, Streamco willow, and hybrid willow) were planted on eight commercial farms from 2003 to 2004. Because temperature (T) can be a stressor for trees, T was monitored in 2005 with data loggers among the trees in front of the exhaust fans (11.4 to 17.7 m) and at a control distance away from the fans (48 m) during all four seasons in Pennsylvania. Norway spruce (Picea abies) foliage samples were taken in August 2005 from one turkey and two layer farms for dry matter (DM) and nitrogen (N) analysis. The two layer farms had both Norway spruce and Spike hybrid poplar (Populus deltoides × Populus nigra) plantings sampled as well allowing comparisons of species and the effect of plant location near the fans versus a control distance away. Proximity to the fans had a clear effect on spruce foliar N with greater concentrations downwind of the fans than at control distances (3.03 vs. 1.88%; P ≤ 0.0005). Plant location was again a significant factor for foliar N of both poplar and spruce on the two farms with both species showing greater N adjacent to the fans compared to the controls (3.75 vs. 2.32%; P ≤ 0.0001). Pooled foliar DM of both plants was also greater among those near the fans (56.17, fan vs. 44.67%, control; P ≤ 0.005). Species differences were also significant showing the potential of poplar to retain greater foliar N than spruce (3.52 vs. 2.55%; P ≤ 0.001) with less DM (46.00 vs. 54.83%; P ≤ 0.05) in a vegetative buffer setting. The results indicated plants were not stressed by the T near exhaust fans with mean seasonal T (13.04 vs. 13.03°C, respectively) not significantly different from controls. This suggested poultry house exhaust air among the trees near the fans would not result in dormancy stressors on the plants compared to controls away from the fans.     

Persistence of Bacillus thuringiensis deposits in a hardwood forest,after aerial application of a commercial formulation at two dosage rates

Abstract

A commercial formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner var. kurstaki (BTK), Foray® 48B, was sprayed aerially over four blocks B13, B14, B15A and B15B in an oak forest in Wayne County, Pennsylvania during May 1990. B13 and B14 were sprayed at 75 billion international units (BIU) in 5.91 litres/ha and the other two at 50 BIU in 3.94 litres/ha. Oak foliage was collected at different intervals of time after treatment. Three types of bioassays were conducted against fourth instar gypsy moth larvae, viz., direct feeding of sprayed foliage, feeding on diet containing homogenized foliage, and force‐feeding of foliar extracts. Larval mortalities were converted into international units of BTK activity per unit area (IU/cm²) of foliage. Foliar extracts were also subjected to enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine the concentration of delta‐endotoxin protein. Regardless of the type of bioassay used, bioactivity of BTK persisted in foliage for about a week in all the blocks. The half‐life of inactivation, DT₅₀, ranged from ca 12 to 22 h. The immunoassay data indicated a shorter duration of persistence (i.e., about 2 d) of the delta‐endotoxin protein, with DT₅₀ values ranging from 10 to 15 h. Formulation ingredients present in Foray 48B played a role in the toxicity of BTK to gypsy moth larvae.     

Influence of additives in the end‐use mixes of tebufenozide on deposition,adhesion and persistence in spruce foliage

Abstract

A commercial flowable formulation of tebufenozide, RH‐5992 2F [N'‐t‐butyl‐N'‐(3,5‐dimethylbenzoyl)‐N‐(4‐ethylbenzoyl) hydrazine], was diluted with water, water and canola oil, and water and the methyl ester of canola oil, to provide six end‐use mixes with concentrations of 35 and 70 g of active ingredient (Al) litre^‐1. The mixes were applied at 70 and 140 g Al ha^‐1 over white spruce [Picea glauca (Moench) Voss] seedlings in a laboratory spray chamber and foliar concentrations of tebufenozide were determined over a 60‐d period. At intervals of time post‐spray, seedlings were sprayed with monosized droplets of Sunspray®11N as rainfall, and the amount of tebufenozide knocked off from foliage was determined. The potential energy of adhesion (PEA) of the Al particles on the foliage increased with time and varied according to the type of end‐use mix, its viscosity and the dosage sprayed.

The end‐use mixes were applied over white spruce trees under field conditions and persistence of tebufenozide was investigated. DT₅₀ values were influenced by the type of mix and dosage sprayed. Oil‐containing mixes and higher dosages increased the PEA of tebufenozide particles.     

Effects of acid mist on mature grafts of Sitka spruce. Part I. Frost hardiness and foliar nutrient concentrations

Mature grafts of five clones of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis Bong. Sarg.) were exposed to simulated acid mist composed of an equimolar mixture of sulphuric acid and ammonium nitrate at pH 2.5 and pH 5.0 in open-top chambers from May to November 1991. Treatments were applied on consecutive days, four times a week. The pH 2.5 treatment provided an overall dose three times higher than that received by forests in upland areas of Britain. Frost hardiness was assessed in November by freezing detached current year shoots at a range of temperatures and assessing the rate of electrolyte leakage Foliar nutrient concentrations were determined on the same shoots. Acid mist at pH 2.5 significantly reduced frost hardiness in four of the five clones; the temperature causing 50% shoot death (LT50) was increased by 0 to 7 degrees C. The clones varied in their level of hardiness, one clone being exceptionally frost sensitive. The frost hardiness of the frost sensitive clone was found to be less perturbed by acid mist than the hardiness of the more frost resistant clones. Mature grafts showed a smaller reduction in hardiness at an equivalent dose than that found previously with Sitka spruce seedlings. Compared with seedlings, grafts had lower absolute concentrations of foliar sulphur. Exposure to acid mist at pH 2.5 increased %S in current year foliage by <0.05% compared with absolute increases of more than 0.10% in current year foliage of seedlings. We conclude that the effect of acid mist on frost hardiness is likely to be less on mature trees than on seedlings and that the increased frost risk to mature trees of Sitka spruce from occult deposition alone is small.     

Mineral and nutrient supply, content and leaching in Norway spruce exposed for 14 months to ozone and acid mist

The nutrient contents of an acid and a calcareous soil, as well as the foliar contents of four clones of Norway spruce grown on these soils, were evaluated during a 14-month exposure to low level ozone (100 microg m(-3) + peaks between 130 and 360 microg m(-3)) plus acid mist (pH 3.0). Whilst distinct differences could be established between and within clones depending on soil types and genotype, only few pollutant-related effects were observed. Leaching losses from foliage were generally low compared to field studies. The data obtained with young trees in an artificial environment do not support the hypothesis that enhanced leaching from foliage may contribute to nutrient deficiencies in mature stands of Norway spruce.     

Seasonal ozone response of mature beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) at high altitude in the Bavarian forest (Germany) in comparison with young beech grown in the field and in phytotrons

Mature beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) grown at two different altitudes in the Bavarian forest were compared with young beech trees grown at nearby field sites or in phytotrons for their macroscopic and physiological responses to different ozone (O(3)) exposures. Cumulative O(3) exposure expressed as the sum of hourly mean concentrations above the canopy ranged between 100 and 150 microl l(-1) h, with the vertical O(3) profiles at the higher altitude site being enhanced by 30%. O(3) profiles at all sites were reduced by up to 20% with increasing depth within and beneath the canopy. The leaf discoloration that developed in the absence of premature leaf loss was similar in the sun foliage of mature and young trees (including plant grown in the phytotron). Injury became apparent at low O(3) exposures, expressed as accumulated hourly means over a threshold of 40 nl l(-1) (AOT40 <3.5 microl l(-1) h) at the lower site in both the mature trees and the young beech at the field site, but only occurred when AOT40 values reached 7 microl l(-1) h at the upper site, and 6 microl l(-1) h in the phytotrons. However, the association between injury and O(3) exposure was improved when cumulative ozone uptake to sun leaves was the ozone index, used with values of about 3 mmol m(-2) resulting in visible injury in both mature and young beech growing in phytotrons. Under high ozone exposure levels of inositol were lowered, whilst concentrations of lignin-like materials were enhanced in mature beech. Similar responses were observed in young beech grown in phytotrons. As the sun foliage was affected by only a small and variable extent each year, the seasonal O(3) impact at high altitude did not appear to pose an acute risk to mature beech trees.     

Effects of oxidant air pollution on Pinus maximartinezii Rzedowski in the México City region

The response of Pinus maximartinezii Rzedowski to photochemical oxidant air pollution was examined using 100 trees, during a 1 year cycle, at Vivero de Coyoacán, a tree nursery located in the south central part of México City, where exposure to polluted air masses has been continuous. The tree response assessment method was based upon documented symptoms of pollutant injury on the foliage. The results showed a homogeneous pattern of health and vigor and only medium sensitivity (based on foliar injury) to photochemical oxidants, although the trees maintained their needles through a three and not the normal 5 year period as at its geographic location of origin (different habitat or environment). Nevertheless, these data suggest that this species of pine could be proposed as good planting material for reforestation in the urban metropolitan area of México city.     

Foliar and ground deposits of fenitrothion following aerial application over a plantation forest

Abstract

Spray deposits were measured on spruce foliage at tree canopy level and on glass plates at ground level, after aerial application of an emulsion formulation of fenitrothion at the rate of 0.21 kg AI in 1.46 L per ha over a 16 ha plot in a plantation forest. Fenitrothion deposits were quantified by gas‐liquid chromatography. A wide variation was observed in deposits on foliage and at the forest floor. Deposits were relatively higher on foliar samples collected from the upwind side of a tree canopy than those on the downwind side. Similarly, the glass plate placed under a tree on the upwind side received relatively higher deposit than the one on the downwind side. However, the glass plates placed in the adjacent forest openings collected markedly higher deposits. Results clearly indicate filtration of the spray droplets by canopy foliage. Assessment of the average deposit of fenitrothion at ground level (mean deposit from all sampling locations) indicated that ca. 19.4% of the applied material reached the forest floor. Within a sampling station, correlation was poor between foliar depsits and those on glass plates under the same trees or in nearby clearings. Analysis of fenitrothion deposits on foliage collected at 1 and 2 h after application indicated that the droplets took, more than 1 h for deposition on the tree canopy. On the other hand, deposition on the glass plates at ground level appeared to be practically complete within 1 h post‐treatment. This was attributed to the higher sedimentation velocities of the larger droplets which tend to travel faster to the floor level than the smaller droplets which float for a longer period near the tree canopy.     

Vegetative buffers for fan emissions from poultry farms: 2. ammonia,dust and foliar nitrogen

This study evaluated the potential of trees planted around commercial poultry farms to trap ammonia (NH₃) and dust or particulate matter (PM). Norway spruce, Spike hybrid poplar, hybrid willow, and Streamco purpleosier willow were planted on five commercial farms from 2003 to 2004. Plant foliage was sampled in front of the exhaust fans and at a control distance away from the fans on one turkey, two laying hen, and two broiler chicken farms between June and July 2006. Samples were analyzed for dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), and PM content. In addition, NH₃ concentrations were measured downwind of the exhaust fans among the trees and at a control distance using NH₃ passive dosi–tubes. Foliage samples were taken and analyzed separately based on plant species. The two layer farms had both spruce and poplar plantings whereas the two broiler farms had hybrid willow and Streamco willow plantings which allowed sampling and species comparisons with the effect of plant location (control vs. fan). The results showed that NH₃ concentration h^{? 1} was reduced by distance from housing fans (P ≤ 0.0001), especially between 0 m (12.01 ppm), 11.4 m (2.59 ppm), 15 m (2.03 ppm), and 30 m (0.31 ppm). Foliar N of plants near the fans was greater than those sampled away from the fans for poplar (3.87 vs. 2.56%; P ≤ 0.0005) and hybrid willow (3.41 vs. 3.02%; P ≤ 0.05). The trends for foliar N in spruce (1.91 vs. 1.77%; P = 0.26) and Streamco willow (3.85 vs. 3.33; P = 0.07) were not significant. Pooling results of the four plant species indicated greater N concentration from foliage sampled near the fans than of that away from the fans (3.27 vs. 2.67%; P ≤ 0.0001). Foliar DM concentration was not affected by plant location, and when pooled the foliar DM of the four plant species near the fans was 51.3% in comparison with 48.5% at a control distance. There was a significant effect of plant location on foliar N and DM on the two layer farms with greater N and DM adjacent to fans than at a control distance (2.95 vs. 2.15% N and 45.4 vs. 38.2% DM, respectively). There were also significant plant species effects on foliar N and DM with poplar retaining greater N (3.22 vs. 1.88%) and DM (43.7 vs. 39.9%) than spruce. The interaction of location by species (P ≤ 0.005) indicated that poplar was more responsive in terms of foliar N, but less responsive for DM than spruce. The effect of location and species on foliar N and DM were not clear among the two willow species on the broiler farms. Plant location had no effect on plant foliar PM weight, but plant species significantly influenced the ability of the plant foliage to trap PM with spruce and hybrid willow showing greater potential than poplar and Streamco willow for PM_2.5(0.0054, 0.0054, 0.0005, and 0.0016 mg cm^{? 2}; P ≤ 0.05) and total PM (0.0309, 0.0102, 0.0038, and 0.0046 mg cm^{? 2}, respectively; P ≤ 0.001). Spruce trapped more dust compared to the other three species (hybrid willow, poplar, and Streamco willow) for PM₁₀ (0.0248 vs. 0.0036 mg cm^{? 2}; P ≤ 0.0001) and PM_{> 10} (0.0033 vs. 0.0003 mg cm^{? 2}; P = 0.052). This study indicates that poplar, hybrid willow, and Streamco willow are appropriate species to absorb poultry house aerial NH₃–N, whereas spruce and hybrid willow are effective traps for dust and its associated odors.     

Sulfur Concentrations in Plant Foliage and Related Effects

Sulfur Is an essential element for plants and is normally taken up from soil In the sulfate form. S0₂ absorbed from the air also can supply S for plant nutrition. Plants are therefore dependent on an optimum S content, but deficiencies or excesses can result in deleterious effects. The Phytotoxicology Section has conducted numerous assessment surveys in rural, urban, or industrial locations in Ontario to determine the concentrations of S in plants and related effects. During the ten year period, 1968 to 1977, about 50,000 samples of vegetation and soil were collected and analyzed for S concentrations. The results of these analyses were examined with respect to natural background concentrations of S in foliage of 33 different species, and effects observed on plant life associated with excess concentrations of S. For example, in one situation 0.35% sulfur in foliage of trembling aspen trees was found to be the threshold level for injury to occur. Some of the industries surveyed for the degree and extent of S effects in their vicinity included pulp mills, power plants, iron concentrators, and gold, nickel, and copper smelters. In interpreting the results of S analyses in plant foliage for diagnostic purposes, consideration should be given also to the geographical location, the stage of growth of the plant, the relation of visible injuries to pollutant or biological causes, the S content of the soil, and S0₂ emission data for the area.     

Azinphos-methyl residues in apples and spatial distribution of fluorescein in vase-shaped apple trees

Vase-shaped standard apple trees cv. McIntosh were sprayed with azinphos-methyl at pink, pink and 1st cover and 1st cover only. Residue analyses by gas chromatography revealed detectable residues on foliage until mid summer. At harvest, negligible residue levels were found on the peel and the whole apple. On four trees, fluorescein was sprayed in the same manner as the insecticide and maximum levels of the dye were detected on the outside lower canopy along the row. Minimal concentration of fluorescein was detected on the inner upper canopy away from the direction of the row.     

Influence of foliar morphology and crown geometry on insecticide deposition and dissipation following an aerial spray over a mixed forest

Abstract

Deposition and dissipation of aerially sprayed phosphamidon insecticide over a mixed forest consisting of different species of coniferous and deciduous trees were studied. The data showed that the chemical deposited more and dissipated slower from deciduous foliage than from conifer needles. Differences in deposits and persistence were also found within each of the two foliar types. Leaf shape and orientation, crown geometry and foliar morphology appear to have played a role. No correlation was found between initial deposit levels and cuticular wax content of different foliar species. A controlled laboratory study showed that surface area/mass ratio played a more important role on initial deposits than pubescence/serrations present on foliar surfaces.