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Modelling short-term effects of sulphur dioxide. 1. A model for the flux of SO2 into leaves and effects on leaf photosynthesis

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Abstract

A model for the flux of atmospheric SO2 into leaves and the effects of SO2 metabolites (S(IV) compounds) on leaf photosynthesis and stomatal resistance is presented. The S(IV) balance in the leaf is determined by the rate of SO2 uptake and S(IV) removal by oxidation to sulphate. Toxic S(IV) compounds reduce the rate of photosynthesis and induce stomatal closure as a result of feed back control of stomatal resistance by photosynthesis. Other proposed mechanisms, like effects through a pH reduction, are not likely to play a role in short-term effects of realistic SO2 concentrations. The model contains two key parameters which describe biochemical characteristics: a time coefficient for S(IV) oxidation and a parameter describing the sensitivity of photosynthesis for S(IV).

Simulation results demonstrate the potential of plants to avoid extremely toxic concentrations of S(IV) in the leaf by three mechanisms: (i) rapid oxidation of S(IV) to less toxic sulphate, (ii) relatively high resistance to SO2 uptake and (iii) feed back control between photosynthesis and stomatal resistance. S(IV) concentrations in the leaf and SO2 concentrations in the stomatal cavities in stable situations are less than 1% of concentrations which build up without these mechanisms. Leaf thickness appears to be an important factor determining the susceptibility of plants to air pollutants. Thin leaves should be more sensitive than thicker leaves. It is concluded that effects of SO2 on photosynthesis should be related to the uptake per unit of leaf volume instead of the commonly used flux per unit leaf area. The model accurately described the time course of photosynthetic reduction during a short fumigation period and subsequent recovery period.

Samenvatting

Een model wordt gepresenteerd waarmee de flux van SO2 vanuit de lucht in het blad en de effecten van SO2-metabolieten op de bladfotosynthese en stomataire geleidbaarheid kan worden gesimuleerd. De S(IV)-balans in het blad wordt bepaald door de SO2 opnamesnelheid, en de snelheid van S(IV)-verwerking door met name oxidatie tot sulfaat. Toxische S(IV)-componenten reduceren de fotosynthese en veroorzaken daardoor stomataire sluiting. Andere in de literatuur beschreven mechanismen voor de effecten van SO2, zoals effecten door een daling van de pH, spelen geen rol op de korte termijn. Het model bevat twee parameters die de biochemische karakteristieken beschrijven: de tijdconstante voor S(IV)-oxidatie en een parameter die de gevoeligheid van de fotosynthese voor S(IV) beschrijft.

De simulatieresultaten laten zien dat de plant extreem toxische concentraties in het blad kan voorkomen door: (i) de snelle oxidatie van S(IV) tot sulfaat, (ii) de relatief hoge weerstand voor SO2-opname en (iii) de stomataire sluiting die een gevolg is van een gereduceerde fotosynthese. S(IV)-concentraties in het blad en SO2-concentraties in de stomataire holten zijn kleiner dan 1% van de concentratie die zou ontstaan als deze mechanismen niet zouden werken. Bladdikte blijkt de gevoeligheid van planten voor SO2 in sterke mate te bepalen. De effecten van SO2 op de fotosynthese dienen te worden gerelateerd aan de opnamesnelheid per eenheid bladvolume, in plaats van bladoppervlak. Het model simuleert de reductie in fotosynthese gedurende een korte begassingsperiode en een herstelperiode nauwkeurig.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Theoretical Production Ecology, Wageningen Agricultural University, P.O. Box 430, 6700 AK, Wageningen, the Netherlands

    M. J. Kropff

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Kropff, M.J. Modelling short-term effects of sulphur dioxide. 1. A model for the flux of SO2 into leaves and effects on leaf photosynthesis. Netherlands Journal of Plant Pathology 95, 195–213 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01977806

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