Metal contaminations at the surface of balsam fir
(Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) needles collected at
two
locations in southern Quebec were determined by
micro-PIXE (micro-proton induced X-ray emission) with
scanning depth of 3−4 or 45−50 μm and scanning
spacing from 15 to 250 μm. At adaxial surfaces,
concentrations of Al, Si, Ca, Ti, Fe, and Zn were
significantly (P < 0.05) higher at the near-urban
site
than at the mountainous location. Accumulation
of Mg, Al, Si, K, Mn, Fe, and Zn was significantly
(P
< 0.01) higher at surfaces of unwashed needles as
compared to chloroform-washed needles, which shows
significant metal accumulation in/on epicuticular
wax layers. Metal deposits, except Mn, in
epicuticular
wax layers were significantly affected by washing
with acidic solution. Distributions of Mg, K, Mn, and
Zn deposits at the surface were lower around central
regions than near foliar edges, while Si was higher
around the central area. Scanning to the 45−50
μm depth showed significant accumulation of Ni on
either side of the foliar center groove.