Journal of Environmental Quality · 1991 · 23 citations · 0 references
Life SciencesEnvironmental SciencesPlant SciencesAir PollutionForest EcologyPhotosynthesisAir QualityEnvironmental Responses Of PhotosynthesisForest GrowthPlant Environmental PhysiologyPlant RespirationAcclimation To OzoneAir Pollution StandardsForest Carbon ExchangeOxygen Concentration EffectsPlant Exposure To Air PollutantsRoot - Soil InteractionsTree Response To Environmental Stress
Abstract The assessment of air quality standards for forest ecosystems requires proper knowledge about concentration‐effect relations of air pollutants for tree species. In this study, 2‐yr‐old Douglas fir seedlings [ Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] were exposed to 23, 81, and 169 µ g O 3 /m 3 during 8 h/d, 5 d/wk for a period of 4 wk. After exposure, the trees were placed in an atmosphere containing 14 CO 2 . Release of 14 CO 2 in the root/soil compartment was analyzed once a day and was regarded as an index of transport and utilization of 14 C photosynthates. Respiratory release of 14 C was temporarily inhibited by O 3 during the first days following exposure to the air pollutant. Within 2 wk after the O 3 treatment, 14 CO 2 in the root/soil respiration was the same in all treatments, indicating that trees were recovering from O 3 injury.