Exposure of Betula pendula Roth pollen to atmospheric pollutants CO, O3 and SO2

Abstract

Betula pendula pollen, under laboratory conditions, was exposed to three atmospheric pollutants: carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3) and sulphur dioxide (SO2). Two levels of each pollutant were used; the first level corresponds to a concentration on the atmospheric hour-limit value acceptable for human health protection in Europe, the second level to a higher, at least more than double of the first, concentration level. Experiments were done under artificial solar light with controlled temperature and relative humidity. Our results indicate that, in urban areas, concentrations of CO, O3 and SO2 on the limits established for human protection, can affect pollen fertility. We verified a decrease in the viability and germination of the pollen, indicating damage to the pollen membrane system. Also, a general decreasing trend in the total protein content of the exposed samples when compared with the control samples was observed, which suggests alterations in the antigenic characteristics of pollen.