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Whole plant aspects of heavy metal induced changes in CO 2 , uptake and water relations of spruce ( Picea abies ) seedlings
Author(s) -
Schlegel Hedda,
Godbold Douglas L.,
Hüttermann Aloys
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
physiologia plantarum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.351
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1399-3054
pISSN - 0031-9317
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-3054.1987.tb04285.x
Subject(s) - picea abies , transpiration , photosynthesis , chemistry , chlorophyll , respiration , botany , horticulture , chlorophyll a , chlorophyll b , environmental chemistry , biology
Spruce seedlings [ Picea abies (L.) Karst.] were exposed to a range of concentrations of Zn, Cd, Hg and methyl‐Hg for 5 weeks. The chlorophyll and water content of the needles were then estimated. The rates of photosynthesis, transpiration and dark respiration of the intact plant were determined using a Li‐cor portable photosynthesis measuring system. Chlorophyll and water contents of needles decreased in response to all metal treatments, as did CO 2 uptake. At 1 μ M Cd, 0.1 μ M Hg and 30 and 60 μ M Zn, the decrease in CO 2 uptake could be accounted for by decreased chlorophyll concentrations. Decreased transpiration was only found at 5 μ M Cd and 0.01 μ M methyl‐Hg. At 5 μ M Cd most of the decrease in CO 2 uptake could be explained by decreased chlorophyll levels and stomatal closure induced by water stress. At 0.01 μ M methyl‐Hg, besides a decrease in chlorophyll concentration and partial stomatal closure, photosynthetic reactions may have been directly affected. Respiration rates were not influenced by exposure to heavy metals.