Effect of Mercuric Compounds on Pine and Sycamore Germination and Early Survival

摘要: Mercury pollution has become an important current issue as a result of its environmental effects on global scale. The Oak Ridge Reservation, established in 1942, was the designated site for construction atomic bomb. During 20-year period from 1944-1963 radioactive and toxic chemical pollutants, especially mercury compounds were released into surrounding waterways.A germination study conducted to investigate ability three tree species, American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis),shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata), loblolly taeda) seeds germinate mercuric nitrate (Hg(NO3)2 methylmercury chloride (CH3HgCl) solutions. A subsequent greenhouse assess phytotoxic different solutions Platanus occidentalis (American Sycamore), inoculated with soils East Fork Poplar Creek.We also measured vegetation stress by Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy.The wavelengths examined those thatare specific chlorophyll several carotenoids, which are involved photosynthesis: 430 nm (Chl a), 448 b, carotenoids), 471 (carotenoids), 642 b), 662 & 680 a). Principal component analysis (PCA) performed identify patterns leaf spectral data.Under vitro conditions, concentration increased above 100 mg·kg-1, all species decreased, P. echinata being least sensitive. Germination inhibited more when exposed methyl than nitrate. Organic proved be inorganic our study. Significant changes occurred levels pigments sampled (p430, p448, p471, p642, p662, p680) over course experiment. NIR spectroscopy not sensitive enough detect other foliage following application.