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Leaf injury and elemental concentrations in vegetation near a coal-fired power plant

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Abstract

Leaf injury of two native grasses, needleandthread (Stipa comata Trin. & Rupr.) and prairie sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia [Hook.] Scribn.), and plains cottonwood (Populus sargentiii Dode) were slightly greater in a downwind direction from a coal-fired power plant in central Wyoming. Injury usually increased with proximity to the power station. A controlled experiment utilizing pinto beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown within phytometers also indicated greatest leaf injury near and downwind from the power station. Elevated levels of Fe and fluoride in foliage samples were found for plants growing near the power station and in a downwind direction. However, no significant increases in Hg, Pb, and Cd were found for plants growing near the power plant. Significant positive correlations were found for leaf injury and the Fe and fluoride concentrations of foliage with average daily sulfation rates. However, no significant correlation between sulfation rates and sulfate concentrations in foliage was found. It is suspected, therefore, that SO2 may act synergistically with fluorides or other emission products, resulting in the slightly elevated leaf injury downwind from the power station.

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Author notes

  1. R. D. Child

    Present address: Winrock International Livestock Research and Training Center, Petit Jean Mountain, 72110, Morrilton, AK, U.S.A.

  2. B. A. Bauerle

    Present address: Department of Biology, Mesa College, 81501, Grand Junction, CO, U.S.A.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Thorne Ecological Institute, 80301, Boulder, CO, U.S.A.

    M. J. Trlica, R. D. Child & B. A. Bauerle

  2. Range Science Department, Colorado State University, 80523, Fort Collins, CO, U.S.A.

    M. J. Trlica, R. D. Child & B. A. Bauerle

Authors
  1. M. J. Trlica
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  2. R. D. Child
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  3. B. A. Bauerle
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Trlica, M.J., Child, R.D. & Bauerle, B.A. Leaf injury and elemental concentrations in vegetation near a coal-fired power plant. Water Air Soil Pollut 24, 375–396 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00282489

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00282489

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