Distribution of elements in needles of Pinus massoniana (Lamb.) was uneven and affected by needle age

Environ Pollut. 2007 Feb;145(3):730-7. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2006.05.033. Epub 2006 Aug 4.

Abstract

Macronutrients (P, S, K, Na, Mg, Ca), heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cd,) and Al concentrations as well as values of Ca/Al in the tip, middle and base sections, and sheaths of current year and previous year needles of Pinus massoniana from Xiqiao Mountain were analyzed and the distribution patterns of those elements were compared. The results indicated that many elements were unevenly distributed among the different components of needles. Possible deficiency of P, K, Ca, Mn and Al toxicity occurred in needles under air pollution. Heavy metals may threaten the health of Masson pine. Needle sheaths were good places to look for particulate pollutants, in this case including Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cd and Al.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / analysis*
  • Copper / analysis
  • Elements*
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • Iron / analysis
  • Lead / analysis
  • Magnesium / analysis
  • Manganese / analysis
  • Metals, Heavy / analysis
  • Phosphorus / analysis
  • Pinus / chemistry*
  • Pinus / physiology
  • Plant Structures / chemistry
  • Sulfur / analysis

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Elements
  • Metals, Heavy
  • Phosphorus
  • Lead
  • Manganese
  • Sulfur
  • Copper
  • Iron
  • Magnesium