Pine Needles as Bioindicator of Pollution by Trace Elements From Cement-Limestone Industry in Centraleastern Poland

ŻUKOWSKI³

2020

Preprint

Self Cite

Background: This article presents the results of research on the air quality which has been under the anthropogenic impact of the cement and lime industry in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains for many years. Research using geo-and bio-indicators was carried out at fixed measuring points in the years 2016-2018. Results: Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. and two-year old Scots pine needles Pinus silvestris L. were used for bioindication research. Physico-chemical properties of precipitation were developed on the basis of research conducted at the Jan Kochanowski University's field research station located on the Malik. Increased pH and specific electrolytic conductivity (EC) of precipitation, as well as variable concentrations of heavy metals throughout a year were shown. Conslusions: Analysis of the chemical properties of transplanted lichens and pine needles confirmed the presence of elements from the cement and lime industry sector located in the Białe Zagłębie. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the needles' surface revealed morphological changes resulting from pollution of stoma opening and closing by small solid particles of anthropogenic origins, disturbing a gas exchange.

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment Of Air Quality In The Southwestern Part Of The Świętokrzyskie Mountains Based On Selected Indicators

ŻUKOWSKI³

2020

Preprint

Self Cite

“…Due to the prevalence of Scots pine Pinus sylvestris L. in the study area, forming dense complexes of upland and lowland forests with rich undergrowths and lower fir floors, their needles were selected for microscopic analyses [ 32 ]. Two-year needles are considered to be the best for research, because the elder ones, especially those existing in a contaminated environment, may already be damaged and their chemical composition may change [ 35 , 36 ].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Presence of Selected Elements in the Microscopic Image of Pine Needles as an Effect of Cement and Lime Pressure within the Region of Białe Zagłębie (Central Europe)

Żukowski

2021

Toxics

Self Cite

In this study, we present the results of microscopic observations of pine needles Pinus sylvestris L. collected in the area of cement-lime pressure in the south-western part of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains in the region of Białe Zagłębie. Images of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirm the presence of particles with a size of about 2 to 20 µm on the surface of the needles. Analysis using X-ray energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) allowed, in turn, to identify lead, iron, aluminium, calcium, and silicon in particles deposited in the surface layer of assimilation organs and dispersed in the surface layer of vegetation tissue within cell structures. Chemical composition, size and shape of particles of foreign bodies on the needles’ surface allow them to be identified as cement-lime dust coming from production plants located in the Białe Zagłębie. Negative influence on the condition and liveliness of Scots pine in the study area is manifested by images on which stomata is sealed, which limits the possibility of gas exchange.

“…Increased lead concentrations were found in the vicinity of the cement plant in Nowiny (11,21). In turn, the highest copper concentrations were detected at the points located along the International Road E77 (1,22) and National Road No. 763 connecting Chęciny and Morawica (6,17).…”

Section: Cement Plantmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…were recorded for the lichen samples from Bolechowice (11) and Lipowica (21), while the highest ones of copper (up to 56 mg kg −1 d.m.) were found in the samples collected from Jaworznia (1), Wymysłów (22), Brzeziny (17) and Milechowy (6). Increased lead concentrations were found in the vicinity of the cement plant in Nowiny (11,21).…”

Section: Cement Plantmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Air Quality in the South-Western Part of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains Based on Selected Indicators

Żukowski

2020

Forests

Self Cite

This article presents the results of research on the air quality which was under the anthropogenic impact of the cement and lime industry in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains for many years. Research using geo- and bio-indicators was carried out at fixed measuring points in the years 2016–2018. Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. and two-year old Scots pine needles Pinus sylvestris L. were used for bioindication research. Physico-chemical properties of precipitation were developed on the basis of research conducted at the Jan Kochanowski University’s field research station located on the Malik Mt. Increased pH and specific electrolytic conductivity (EC) of precipitation, as well as variable concentrations of heavy metals throughout a year were found. Analysis of the chemical properties of transplanted lichens and pine needles confirmed the presence of elements from the cement and lime industry sector located in the Białe Zagłębie. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the needles’ surface revealed morphologic changes resulting from pollution of stoma opening and closing by small solid particles of anthropogenic origins, disturbing gas exchange.