Abstract
Eastern white pine (P. strobus) seedlings were subjected to controlled nightly mists acidified with nitric and sulfuric acids at pH levels of 5.6, 4.6, 3.6 and 2.6 in environmental chambers. After a 6-week exposure, needles which developed during that time were examined by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy for morphological aberrations, and for changes in total and partial transverse dimensions. Calculation and estimation of these transverse dimensions were accomplished through a point counting technique, and by simple linear measurement of abaxial needle widths, respectively. No gross surface or internal structural alterations were observed; however, subtle yet statistically significant increases in areas and abaxial widths were detected in needle transections with increased acidity of treatment. This trend was attributed to nutritional effects of the nitrogen and sulfur components of the HNO3 and H2SO4 in the acid mists.
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Maurice, C.G., Crang, R.E. Increase inPinus strobus needle transectional areas in response to acid misting. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 15, 77–82 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01055251
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01055251