Effects of Iron-Steel Factory and Dense Traffic on Leaf Chemical Compounds of Six Tree Species in Turkey

Abstract

Abstract
 
 Aim of study: Tree
 planting can play an important role in improving the quality of the urban
 environment. On the other hand, air pollutants can affect growth and health of
 trees. We studied the impacts of air pollution caused by the iron- steel
 factory and dense traffic on leaf chemical composition and also tree tolerance
 to the air pollution using six tree species (Maple, Ash tree, Cypress, Black
 pine, Sycamore and Aspen).  
 
 Material and Methods: The fresh leaf and
 needle sampling was carried out in April and July, and analyzed for
 photosynthetic pigments, peroxidation level, hydrogen peroxide, enzymatic
 antioxidants and non-enzymatic antioxidants. 
 
 Main results: Although there were
 statistically significant variations in the studied chemical compositions of
 the fresh leaf and needle samples between the six tree species, the pollution
 types and time, each chemical factor acted different ways with the pollution
 types and time according to tree species. In general, the pigment values, MDA,
 H2O2 and APX, concentrations in July were lower than
 those in April, whereas CAT, SOD, proline and protein concentrations in July
 were higher than those in April. Maple tree was more resistant to the traffic
 pollution, while Ash tree was more tolerant to both the pollution types. Among
 all trees, Aspen was found more susceptible to the traffic pollution
 
 Research highlights: The results could be
 used in the future research directions to improve our understanding of the role
 of individual tree species in air pollution reduction and also set up a
 healthy, well managed urban forest which can provide many ecological benefits
 to urban environment.