Stress-induced injuries and trace element concentrations in vascular leaf plants from an urban environment (Palermo, Italy).
We examined leaf injuries and measured trace element concentrations in vascular plants from an urban ecosystem with distinct stress valences (the city of Palermo), and compared them with samples of the same species from sites where the stress potential is lower. Urban pollution influences macro-, micro- and toxic element concentrations in leaves. Therefore these leaves can be used as markers of the chemical and biological effects of atmospheric pollution. We studied the trace element content in the leaves of two species, oleander and oak, both fairly tolerant plants and good indicators and bio-monitors of pollution contaminants. Samples were collected at various sites in different periods.
Alaimo
Maria Grazia
MG
Dipartimento di Scienze Botaniche, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Colombo
Paolo
P
Firetto
Anna
A
Trapani
Salvatore
S
Vizzì
Daniela
D
Melati
M Rita
MR
D002947:Cities; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D007558:Italy; D030007:Nerium / Q000378:metabolism; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000378:metabolism*; D029963:Quercus / Q000378:metabolism; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D014131:Trace Elements
D012989:Soil Pollutants; D014131:Trace Elements