Summary
The upper critical concentrations of several heavy metals were determined in sitka-spruce (Picea sitchensis) following the method of Beckett and Davis.1 The values obtained (mg kg−1 of dry matter) were Cd (4.8), Ni (5.8), Pb (19), Cu (88) and Zn (226). It has been shown that nickel might be present at sufficiently enhanced levels in the foliar tissues of trees in certain forest areas of South Wales to affect normal functioning and growth. The cadmium foliar levels approach but do not exceed the critical Cd level, but may possibly have some impact considering the additivity of toxic effects of heavy metals. Lead, copper and zinc would seem to present no risk as their foliar levels are well below the critical levels.
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Burton, K.W., Morgan, E. & Roig, A. The influence of heavy metals upon the growth of sitka-spruce in South Wales forests. Plant Soil 73, 327–336 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02184309
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02184309