Forest Damage: Characterization of Spruce Needles by Pyrolysis Field Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Abstract Needle tips of Norway spruce are investigated by direct probe pyrolysis field ionization mass spectrometry and Curie-point gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The obtained results are used to characterize the thermally stable plant constituents and major macromolecular structures of spruce needles. The analyses of green, damaged, ozone-fumigated and acidic fog water treated spruce needles reveal the major differences between the different samples. It is shown that ozone-fumigation degrades flavones and the lignin structure whereas acidic precipitation changes the polysaccharides in damaged spruce needles. However, the damage pattern in nature cannot be explained by the patterns of experimentally damaged spruce needles alone. These results suggest that other, probably combined additional causes lead to the observed damage.