Microbial transformations of some particulate pollution deposits in soils — A source of plant-available nitrogen and sulphur

Abstract

Atmospheric pollution deposits, largely consisting of soot, were removed from sycamore leaves growing downwind of a coking plant, and added to soil. Increases in plant available S-ions (S2O32−; S4O62− and SO42−) and N (NH4+ and NO3−) occurred due to the action of soil microorganisms on the deposits. Although the detrimental effects of air pollution on plant growth have been previously emphasised, supply of nutrients resulting from the microbial transformation of particulate pollutants may prove important to the growth of pollution-resistant plant communities.