Influence of Anthropogenic Load in Plant Communities with Pinus sylvestris L. In the West Siberian Subarctic Region

Abstract

AbstractThe paper presents the results of comprehensive studies of anthropogenic roadside phytocenoses of the West Siberian Subarctic Region in Russia. For the study, 3 land plots with different anthropogenic load were selected. The atmosphere clearness was determined using the needles of Pinus sylvestris L. as indicator (intact, with spots, with chlorosis, with necrosis). The index of flora synanthropization was determined, which is in the range of 50 to 64%. When studying the anthropogenic load, the accumulation of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Fe, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni) in the needles of Pinus sylvestris L. was determined. As a result of anthropogenic impact, there is a change in the composition of chlorophyll, as well as carotenoids. However, chlorophyll a and b decrease, and the number of carotenoids increases. Thus, there is a certain protective reaction of the plant organism to the effects of heavy metals. All these features are specific for Pinus sylvestris L. and in the aggregate give a true picture characterizing the state of the environment.KeywordsWest Siberian Subarctic RegionPinus sylvestris L.Heavy metalsCarotenoidsChlorophyllRoadside phytocenoses