The impact of human pressure on the fluctuating asymmetry of Scots pine needles

This paper presents the results of a study investigating the use of Scots pine needles as bioindicators. The impact of human pressure on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands was evaluated based on two indicators (FAM and FAL) of the fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of needles. The samples of plant material were collected from the Scots pine stands in the immediate vicinity of a road with high traffic intensity, a petroleum refinery and a landfill site for non-hazardous and inert wastes. The analysis revealed significant differences in the FA of needles collected from the stands beside the freeway and the municipal landfill site. The values of FAM and FAL decreased with an increasing distance from the pollution sources. The results of this study indicate that the FA of Scots pine needles could be a reliable indicator for assessing the impact of human pressure on Scots pine stands, complementary to those used traditionally.