Experientia

, Volume 43, Issue 2, pp 115–127 | Cite as

Trialkyllead. Occurrence, biological interactions, and possible impact on forest decline

  • H. Faulstich
  • C. Stournaras
  • K. P. Endres
Reviews

Summary

Biochemical studies and experiments with cells have shown that trialkyllead (R3Pb+), a degradation product of tetraalkyllead (R4Pb) antiknock agents, is highly cytotoxic. Trialkyllead may occur in rain and fog in concentrations much higher than those reported so far. From these data it has been proposed that trialkyllead may represent one of the factors responsible for the present forest decline. This article reviews the chemistry of trialkylead, its molecular interactions, its toxic effects on cells and on plant cells in particular, and its occurrence in the environment. Evidence for and against the involvement of trialkyllead in forest decline will be discussed.

Key words

Organolead phytotoxicity rain water acid rain glutathione 
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Copyright information

© Birkhäuser Verlag 1987

Authors and Affiliations

  • H. Faulstich
    • 1
  • C. Stournaras
    • 1
  • K. P. Endres
    • 1
  1. 1.Abteilung PhysiologieMax-Planck-Institut für medizinische ForschungHeidelbergFederal Republic of Germany

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