title: Stress-induced injuries and trace element concentrations in vascular leaf plants from an urban environment (Palermo, Italy).
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Botaniche, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Grazia
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Alaimo
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Colombo
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Firetto
authors.forename: Salvatore
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Trapani
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vizzì
authors.forename: M Rita
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Melati
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D012989:Soil Pollutants; D014131:Trace Elements