Concentrations of Chemical Elements in Different Tree Compartments Grown in a Mixed Dipterocarp Forest in Sarawak, Malaysia.

Abstract

The distribution of mineral elements in different compartments of trees grown in a mixed dipterocarp forest in the Lambir Hills National Park, Miri, Sarawak was studied. 514 samples mainly of leaves, twigs and trunks, partly of roots, barks and litter were collected from 101 different trees of 62 species of 25 families. The samples were analyzed for 28 chemical elements, i.e. N, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Na, AI, Br, Fe, B, Sr, Ba, Zn, Rb, Cu, Ni, Co, Ti, Sc, Cr, Pb, Ce, Li, As, Cs, V, Mo and Th. Essential elements as N, K, Mg, Mn, Fe, Band Ni showed higher concentrations in the leaves. Ca, Zn and Cu were found significantly higher in the twigs. These elements are known to be related to the auxin metabolism effective to the induction of the cell lignification. The elements with no characteristic concern to any physiological processes behaved as if they underwent passive uptake. The uptake of elements with toxic or negative effects to plants, e.g., AI, Pb or As seemed to be either blocked by the roots or they were safely stored in those organs as trunks and barks. Taken the fact into account that those elements actively associated with plant physiological processes are accumulated in the living plant organs, due attention should be paid to the high concentrations of Ba (Gluta oba), Co (Koilodepas laevigatum, Trigonostemon capilli pes , Allantospermum borneense) or Sr (Koilodepas laevigatum).