Scotch Pine Needles Research Articles

After-effects of a closed copper mine: detailed analysis of environmental impacts in soil and plant samples

In several countries around the world, abandoned mining sites are blighted by pollution from metal and metalloids. Generated by mining processes, toxic pollutants have lasting effects on the ecosystem. The study examined the environmental impact of waste from a copper mine that was operated by the Caucasus Copper Limited Company between 1905 and 1928, revised and commissioned by Etibank in 1936, and ceased operations 75 years ago. Soil and plant samples (needles of Scotch pine, Pinus sylvestris L.) were collected from five specific regions around the mine and the levels of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were determined, including As, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Mn, Cr, Cu, Al, and Fe. The data obtained were used to calculate the enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), ecological risk index (ERI), human health risk index (BCF), and plant enrichment factor (EFPlant). In soil samples, the average EF values of certain elements such as As (453), Cu (59.9), Pb (30.7), Zn (5.26) were detected at high levels. However, average Igeo values indicate high pollution levels for As (8.25), Cd (6.72), Cu (4.94), Pb (4.33) and Zn (2.42), indicating the existence of serious ecological risks in the affected areas. Additionally, the average CF values indicate serious pollution levels from heavy metals such as As (1605), Cd (584), Pb (99.4), Cu (81.9), and Zn (14.6), highlighting the extensive pollution situation resulting from mining activities. Meanwhile, average ERI values indicate that Cd, As, Cu, and Pb pose serious ecological risks in the study areas.These PTEs were found in high concentrations in the waste tail and dump. Furthermore, the analysis determined that there was enrichment for Mn, Cd, Al, Cu, Pb, and Fe elements in plant samples. These PTEs have the potential to spread more widely depending on seasonal conditions and local topography. This situation demonstrates the need to measure metal and metalloids concentrations at certain times, taking into account the potential for environmental pollution of surface runoff water and underground resources in areas with high drainage potential from acid mines, such as at the Kuvarshan mine tailings site.

FEATURES OF ADSORPTION OF PARTICULATE MATTER BY NEEDLES AND LEAVES OF TREES IN IRKUTSK URBAN FORESTS

The pollution of natural forests preserved on the territory of the Irkutsk city was studied in terms of the level of adsorption of aerosol particles (particulate matter, PMx) by main forest-forming species of woody plants. The needles of Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.), as well as leaves of Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) were sampled on the laid test plots to study their sorption capacity in relation to PMx. Using the methods of scanning electron microscopy and X-ray spectral microanalysis, a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and chemical composition of aerosol particles on the surface of needles and leaves was shown. The adsorbed PMx particles were found to contain carbon, silicon, sulfur, calcium, phosphorus, chlorine, and magnesium in the greatest amount; a significant proportion of heavy metals present in the form of metallized particle accumulations, in which the metal content can reach 80%. It has been shown that aerosol particles actively penetrate needle/leaf tissues through stomata and cuticle, damaging them. With a high level of pollution by PMx, complete clogging of the stomata and heavy destruction of dermal tissues are often observed. The high level of adsorption of particulate matter by needles and leaves of trees indicates a high cleaning capacity of urban forests. At the same time, pollution with PMx particles has a powerful negative effect on physiological and biochemical processes of a tree organism, which is manifested in a sharp violation of the parameters of photosynthesis, transpiration, and inhibition of growth processes.

Содержание меди и цинка в трёхлетней хвое сосны обыкновенной (Pinus Sylvestris L.) в условиях Липецкой области

Studies aimed at studying copper and zinc in the three-year-old needles of Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) were carried out from 2019 to 2021. The experiments were laid on 8 test sites. Trial plots No. 1-4 - in the Lipetsk industrial center and trial plots No. 5-8 - in the Yelets industrial center. The studies were carried out in vegetation dynamics. It has been established that under conditions of pollution in the needles of the 3rd year of life, there is a significant excess of the content of these metals in comparison with the control. The most significant increase in copper in the control zone under FLC conditions was noted by the second month of vegetation. In May, the copper content was 3.175 mg/kg, in June - 3.875, in July - 4.169 mg/kg, in August - 4.281 mg/kg of dry matter. On the territory of the city of Yelets (Fig. 3), during the growing season, the amount of copper in the needles increased more evenly from month to month: May-5.194; June-5,263; July -5.325; August - 5.683 mg/kg dry matter. The content of zinc in the conditions of pollution of the Yelets industrial center in the needles of the 3rd year by the end of August changes slightly from 24.238 mg/kg to 25.688 mg/kg. Keywords: COPPER, ZINC, THREE-YEAR-OLD NEEDLE, SCOTT PINE, LIPETSK REGION

Determining the Some Heavy Metal Content of Pinus sylvestris Needles and Soil in the Urban Forest by the Side of the Road

One of the significant factors having a role in plant development is elements. Decrease in quantities of some elements results in plant nutrition disorders while increase of them might do harm to plant. Apart from that, there are elements that affect plants in terms of toxic effect. They are mostly heavy metals. Heavy metals with industrial-based and transportation-based pollutants have an impact on natural environment. It is clear that plants are affected by environmental factors, too. Heavy metal pollution in soil is also one of the significant environmental problems. It has a big influence on human and animal health via food chain. Hence, it is quite vital to recognize the type and the amount of heavy metal as well as reasons causing accumulation in the sense of plant development and soil health. In this sense, the aim of the present research is to determine the effects based on heavy metals especially vehicle-driven on plants and soil by using scotch pine needles and soil samples. In the study, it is confirmed that heavy metal accumulation is too much by the side of the road where there is a traffic density while the accumulation rate is getting lower and lower as you step into woods.

Adaptive changes in pigment complex of Pinus sylvestris needles upon cold acclimation

We studied seasonal changes in the content and ratio between photosynthetic pigments in one-yearold needles of Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) growing in Central Yakutia. Maximum accumulation of chlorophylls in developed young needles occurred in July when light and temperature conditions were favorable. In this period, the needles were notable for a relatively high level of β-carotene and neoxanthin and a reduced content of lutein and the pigments of violaxanthin cycle (VXC). In the course of autumn hardening, the content of chlorophylls decreased two times. Total content of carotenoids remained the same, but pigment composition considerably changed when plants progressed from a vegetating to frost-resistant state. We revealed time and temperature ranges of variation for individual carotenoids. In the beginning of hardening at reduced and low abovezero temperatures, the content of β-carotene in the needles decreased, the pigment-protein complexes (PPC) became enriched in lutein, the pigment pool of VXC gradually increased, and the content of neoxanthin transiently rose. When average daily air temperature further decreased to near- zero values, the content of zeaxanthin sharply rose. In winter, high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin were maintained. Main changes in pigment complex of the needles of P. sylvestris were completed before the coming of steady below-zero temperatures. The obtained data suggested that, upon seasonal decrease in temperature in early stages of hardening, a decrease in the level of chlorophyll promotes a reduction in the quantity of absorbed radiant energy. Apparently, this is accompanied by activation of the role of lutein and neoxanthin that perform specific photoprotective functions in antenna PPC associated with a gradual decrease in plants’ ability to quench singlet energy of excited chlorophyll. Accumulation of zeaxanthin as a result of inhibition of back reaction of epoxidation at near-zero temperatures creates necessary prerequisites for turning on the mechanisms of steady dissipation of absorbed light energy, which do not depend on transmembrane proton gradient of thylakoids. At the same time, zeaxanthin can perform antioxidant functions both in PPC and in the lipid phase of thylakoid membranes. The obtained data point to an adaptive nature of the observed reactions and a specific role of individual pigments in structural and functional reorganization of photosynthetic machinery in the course of development of frost-resistance in the needles.

Inter population variability of frost-resistance in provenances of scot pines (Pinusylvestris L.R. hamata Steven) in Turkey

Frost-resistance variability of Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L. var. hamata Steven) seedlings grown in nurseries conditions, originated from 10 provenances, have been analyzed. The provenances from Black Sea region, Central Anatolian region and Eastern Anatolian region in Turkey have been used in selection of seed zones. The results of frost-resistance tests indicated a strong relationship of implemented freezing degrees with injury degrees of Scotch pine needles and photosynthetic productivities. On the other hand, another significant relationship has been determined between chlorophyll fluorescence and ion leakage methods (r=-0.801). This result shows that those two methods can be safely used in determining the damages due to low temperatures. In frost resistance tests, Scotch pine seedlings from different provenances have been frozen at -10, -20, -30 and -40?C. According to the Duncan test results, it has been determined that damage increased as temperature decreased. The damage level at -10?C implementation is 3.5% which can be tolerated by plants. But when the temperature has been decreased to -20?C, the level of damage has increased to 51.25%. As a result of photosynthetic analyses in this phase, it has been determined that there is a statistically significant relationship between provenances and temperature levels. Under the light of those findings, they have determined that the photosynthetic productivity has significantly decreased at temperatures between -20?C and -40?C. This situation conforms to injury index values determined in this study. As a result of injury index and photosynthetic productivity tests used for determining the damage after frost-resistance tests, it has been determined that the provenances of Amasya-Kunduz, Bolu-Alada?, D?zce-Y???lca, Samsun-Vezirk?pr? and Eski?ehir-?atac?k are more sensitive to frost than other provenances.

Особливості нагромадження опаду в грабово-сосново-дубових деревостанах, сформованих на зрубах поступових рубок в умовах Львівського Розточчя

Проаналізовано річну динаміку опаду та його фракцій (хвоя сосни звичайної; листя дуба звичайного; листя супутніх порід; гілки; кора; шишки сосни звичайної; жолуді дуба звичайного; насіння інших порід; плюски жолудів, крилатки насіння; лишайники, мохи) у середньовікових грабово-сосново-дубових деревостанах, які сформувалися природним шляхом на зрубах різних способів поступових рубок головного користування (рівномірна поступова дво- і триприйомна та групово-вибіркова 3-прийомна), і в стиглому материнському деревостані (контроль) в умовах Львівського Розточчя. Як на контрольній, так і на експериментальних ділянках виявлено три піки опадання органічної маси протягом року: найбільший у жовтні і два менші – у зимовий період і в травні. Встановлено, що річна маса опаду становить 5-6 т/га, а способи рубок безпосередньо не впливають на частку опалої органічної маси та її річну динаміку.

ГРУППОВОЙ СОСТАВ ЭКСТРАКТОВ ИЗ КРОНЫ ЛИСТВЕННИЦЫ СИБИРСКОЙ ЛЕТНЕГО И ОСЕННЕГО СБОРОВ

The results of extractive compounds contain research in the different parts of the Siberian larch crown (needles, bark, wood part of twigs) collected in summer and autumn and fallen-down needles are presented. The extractive compounds and essential oils contains extracted by organic solvents (petroleum and diethyl ethers, ethyl acetate and isopropyl alcohol) are detected. It is defined that the Siberian larch needles contain less extractive compounds (extracted by petroleum and diethyl ethers) than fir spruce needles, Scotch pine needles and Siberian fir needles, but they may be compared by isopropanol soluble extractives. The main quantity of the essential oils and extractives soluble in petroleum and diethyl ethers, ethyl acetate is detected in twig bark. Autumn collected needles and twigs extractives contain (extracted by all solvent kinds) increase, contain of essential oils is decrease.The group composition of the isopropyl alcohol extractives of all kinds of raw materials and the group composition of petroleum and diethyl ethers extracts are presented. The main part of the isopropanol extract is petroleum ether soluble fraction (lipophilic fraction). The twig bark lipophilic fraction (of the isopropanol extract) consists of free acids for 60%, twig wood part collected in summer and autumn twigs lipophilic fractions consist of free acids for 50%, the lipophilic fractions of summer needles and fallen-down needles consist of neutral compounds for 70%. The main part of diethyl ether extract (obtained from isopropanol extract) of the all kinds of raw materials consists of phenolic acids (substances which may be extracted by aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate). Summer needles and fallen-down needles diethyl ether extracts consist of substances which may be extracted by aqueous caustic for 28% and 40%.The main content of the diethyl ether neutral compounds is detected in fallen-down needles. It is 25%.

Chlorophyll content in pine (Pinus silvestris L.) needles exposed to flue dust from lead and zinc works

Chlorophyll a and b, sulphur, zinc and lead contents were determined in annual and biennial needles of Scotch pine (<i>Pinus silevstris</i> L.) exposed to flue dust-polluted air. Intoxication indexes were calculated on the basis of the obtained results.

Fungi occurring in forests injured by industrial air pollutants in Silesia and Cracow Industrial Regions. II. Fungi isolated from infection spots on living Scotch pine needles

Fungi of <i>Ascomycetes</i> and <i>Deuteromycetes</i> occurring in summer 1973 within living and partly brown one-year-old Scotch pine needles are given in this paper.

Accumulation of heat shock proteins and dehydrins in the needles of scotch pine at the early stage of the PS II photoinhibition during the autumn adaptation of plants to winter conditions

Accumulation of heat shock proteins and dehydrins in the needles of scotch pine at the early stage of the PS II photoinhibition during the autumn adaptation of plants to winter conditions

Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the needles of a Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), a biomonitor of atmospheric pollution

A procedure was developed for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the needles of a Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), which is characterized by the simple and efficient sample preparation. The procedure involves the steps of the extraction of PAH with n-hexane on ultrasonic irradiation, the precipitation of concomitant cereous components from the extract on its cooling, the purification of the PAH fraction on a cartridge with silica gel (0.5 g), and the redissolution of the concentrated eluate in methanol. The quantitative determination of PAH (15 compounds including 13 priority) with the use of chromatography-mass spectrometry in the selective ion detection mode exhibits the interlaboratory precision of the results of the PAH determination V Rl = 0.059–0.088 for the concentration of PAH in needles from 0.3 to 600 ng/g and a detection limit of 0.06 ng/g (signal-to-noise ratio = 3; mass of the sample for extraction was 10 g). The accumulation levels of PAH in the Scotch pine needles were presented; the needles were first studied as a biomonitor of atmospheric pollution over the southern part of the Baikal natural territory.

Variation in certain characters and properties of scotch pine needles in geographic cultures

Morphophysiological and anatomical characters of needles that are used for characterizing infraspecific taxa have been studied in Scotch pine geographic cultures established in the forest-steppe zone of Siberia. Variation in these characters has been revealed, which reflects the polymorphic structure of the species and the effect of natural selection on the composition of populations in new natural-cimatic conditions.

Detection of sulphur dioxide in the air using Scotch pine needles

Air quality is especially important in surface layers, for it is this layer that provides the living components of environment with the needed oxygen and carbon dioxide. Various air polluting gases penetrate cells affecting and contaminating them. Chloroplast shell of some pine species, for instance, doubles under the impact of carbon dioxide which is followed by tillacoids swelling and reduction.Literature provides opinions of some authors, who consider Scotch pine needle to be a biological indicator of sulphur dioxide. Others object to it basing on the observations of physiological development.The property of a Scotch pine as that of biological indicator manifests in SO2 absorption by its needles. The analysis of total content of SO2 in the needles shows an increase of SO2 concentration.Sulphur in the needles is found in the form of organically bound sulphur, aminoacids, hormones as well as in the form of sulphates.Basing on our previous analysis we have generalized the data on the correlation concentrations of sulphur dioxide in the air and general concentrations of sulphur in the needles. We have supplemented the observations with the analyses of organically bound sulphur and concentrations of nonorganic sulphur. According to research data, needles contain a characteristic and rather stable quantity of organically bound sulphur.So we may state that the SO inf4 (sup2-) concentration and the amount of SO2 absorbed from the air are interdependent.Some authors state that SO inf4 (sup2-) content in the soil doesn't affect sulphur content in pine needles. That is why we studied the affect of SO inf4 (sup2-) content in the soil on sulphur content in Scotch pine needles.We could prove this statement by means of various kinds of analyses only partially. The ion transport is affected by the presence of other ions, pH and a lot of other factors.What may be said for sure is that different qualities of soils gave only minor and insignificant deviations.Hence our assumption about the SO2 contamination from air, proved by its effect on the soils, turns to suit approximate measurements.

O-acylated flavonoid glycosides of the needles ofPinus sylvestris II. 3?-O-p-coumaroylisoquercitrin

A new acylated flavonoid glycoside has been isolated from Scotch pine needles and the structure of 3′,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone 3-O-β-D-(3″-O-p-coumaroylglucopyranoside) has been established for it.

O-acylated flavonoid glycosides of the needles ofPinus sylvestris III. Di-p-coumaroyltrifolin

A new diacylated flavonol glycoside has been isolated for the first time from Scotch pine needles, and for it the structure of 3,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone 3-0-(3″,6″-di-O-p-coumaroyl-β-D-galactopyranoside) has been established.

Histological Changes Induced in Scotch Pine Needles by Sulfur Dioxide

Scotch pine cotyledons, primary needles, and secondary needles of various ages were exposed to 2620 ..mu..g/m/sup 3/ (1.0 ppm) SO/sub 2/ for 1, 3, or 5 hr. Needles from unexposed (control) and exposed plants were embedded in paraffin, sectioned, stained, and examined under a light microscope. Mesophyll collapse was the most common structural change induced by SO/sub 2/ in all three needle types. Resin canal occlusion also was observed in primary and secondary needles exposed to SO/sub 2/. Increased dosages of SO/sub 2/ did not induce additional symptoms but intensified those already present.

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Infection of Scotch Pine Needles by Scirrhia acicola

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Infection of Scotch Pine Needles by Scirrhia acicola

Chlorophyll content in pine (Pinus silvestris L.) needles exposed to flue dust from lead and zinc works

Chlorophyll a and b, sulphur, zinc and lead contents were determined in annual and biennial needles of Scotch pine ( Pinus silevstris L.) exposed to flue dust-polluted air. Intoxication indexes were calculated on the basis of the obtained results.

Probing Behavior of Eulachnus agilis and Injury to Scotch Pine12

Adults of the aphid, Eulachnus agilis (Kaltenbach), inserted their stylets through the stomata of needles of Scotch pine, Pinus sylvestris L. Stylet penetration through plant tissue was predominantly intracellular. The feeding site appeared to be the phloem. Stylets of both unstarved and starved aphids reached the phloem in about 10 minutes. When unstarved and starved aphids were allowed to probe for 5, 10, 15, and 30-minute intervals, depth of penetration was significantly greater for unstarved aphids only when allowed to probe for 30 minutes. In laboratory and field studies, E. agilis caused chlorosis and premature dropping of Scotch pine needles. Histological studies of healthy and chlorotic needles showed no mechanical or physical changes in the plant tissue. No apparent morphological changes occurred in the phloem or other tissues in chlorotic needles. However, salivary secretions of E. agilis possibly could have affected the plant tissue physiologically, subsequently causing the symptoms of chlorosis.