Metal concentrations in deciduous tree leaves from urban areas in Poland

Accumulation of metals in deciduous tree foliage fromurban areas in western-south Poland was monitored duringthe vegetation season of 2000 year. Concentrations of Al,Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, Ti and Znwere measured in birch, willow, linden and maple leavesusing the ICP-AES method. Seasonal variations of metalconcentrations and their relations with sampling sitewere investigated. The most dynamic accumulation of Al,Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb was observed for examined species. Thehighest differences in element concentrations forinvestigated sites were found for Ba, Cd, Mn and Ni.Interelement correlations were investigated. In allfoliar samples synergistic relationships between Al–Crand Ca-Sr were found. Statistically significant negativecorrelations were observed only for Cd and Ti in birch leaves.     

Natural under-canopy regeneration and height-age structure of small-leaved linden (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Tilia cordata</Emphasis> Mill.) undergrowth in water-conservation forests around Pavlovskoe Reservoir,Ufa River

Natural regeneration and the height-age structure of small-leaved linden (Tilia cordata Mill.) under a forest canopy were studied with regard to specific features of forest typology on the Ufa Plateau. For the first time, the height-age structure of linden undergrowth was analyzed by an anatomical method, which allowed accurate determination of the actual plant age and linear increment. The results of this analysis made it possible to reveal three periods in the development of linden undergrowth with respect to the linear growth rate and abundance of plants. More successful regeneration of linden was observed in open elements of relief.