Biomonitoring of traffic-related nitrogen oxides in the Maurienne valley (Savoie, France), using purple moor grass growth parameters and leaf (15)N/(14)N ratio.
Effects of traffic-related nitrogenous emissions on purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea (L.) Moench) transplants, used here as a new biomonitoring species, were assessed along 500 m long transects orthogonal to roads located in two open areas in the Maurienne valley (French Alps). Leaves were sampled during summer 2004 and 2005 for total N-content and (15)N-abundance determination while nitrogen oxides (NO and NO(2)) concentrations were determined using passive diffusion samplers. A significant and negative correlation was observed between plant total N-content, and (15)N-abundance and the logarithm of the distance to the road axis. The strongest decreases in plant N parameters were observed between 15 and 100 m from road axis. They were equivalent to background levels at a distance of about 800 m from the roads. In addition, motor vehicle pollution significantly affected vegetation at road edge, as was established from the relationship between leaf (15)N-abundance, total N-content and road traffic densities.
Laffray
Xavier
X
UMR INRA/UHP Forest Ecology and Ecophysiology, Phytoecology team, Atmospheric Pollution Laboratory, INRA Nancy, Route de l'Arboretum, F-54280 Champenoux, France. xavier.laffray@gmail.com
Rose
Christophe
C
Garrec
Jean-Pierre
JP
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005602:France; D018986:Motor Vehicles / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes / Q000032:analysis; D009589:Nitrogen Oxides / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D006109:Poaceae / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism
D000393:Air Pollutants; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes; D009589:Nitrogen Oxides; D009584:Nitrogen