The Use of Stable Sulfur and Nitrogen Isotopes in Studies of Plant Responses to Air Pollution

Abstract

The analysis of stable sulfur and nitrogen isotopes can provide useful information in many types of environmental studies. For example, these elements are emitted in oxidized forms from air pollution sources and are deposited in appreciable quantities over vast regions of industrialized countries. Extensive research efforts in many countries are under way to determine the potential for these and other air pollutants to alter patterns of biogeochemical nutrient cycling and to affect plant productivity. Stable isotopes of S and N can help define both the sources and sinks for S and N and the plant responses to atmospheric contaminants. Unfortunately, few attempts have been made to use these isotopic tools.KeywordsAcid PrecipitationForest DeclineSimulated Acid RainConifer NeedleTerrestrial MossThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.