INFLUENCE OF AIR POLLUTION ON FOREST ECOSYSTEMS: ECOLOGICAL IMPACT OF HEAVY METALS

2010 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1401-1405
Author(s):  
Mihaela Budianu ◽  
Brindusa Mihaela Robu ◽  
Matei Macoveanu
1992 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 614-623 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. W. MacDonald ◽  
A. J. Burton ◽  
H. O. Liechty ◽  
J. A. Witter ◽  
K. S. Pregitzer ◽  
...  

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 624-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tapio Eeva ◽  
Esa Lehikoinen ◽  
Jorma Nurmi

Numbers of ectoparasitic blow fly (Protocalliphora azurea) larvae (Diptera: Calliphoridae), adult and larval hen fleas, Ceratophyllus gallinae (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae), and other nest-dwelling insects were counted from the nests of the great tit, Parus major, and the pied flycatcher, Ficedula hypoleuca, in southwestern Finland around a factory complex emitting large quantities of sulphuric oxides and heavy metals. Protocalliphora azurea larvae were more frequently found in the nests of P. major than in those of F. hypoleuca. The prevalence of P. azurea larvae tended to be lower in polluted areas. The number of P. azurea larvae correlated positively with nest size and brood size of P. major. This may be caused by difficulties in sanitation of large and crowded nests. The numbers of fleas and their larvae were negatively affected by moisture in the nests. Nests of F. hypoleuca contained more adult fleas in polluted areas. This may indicate reduced resistance of birds exposed to heavy metals, but other possibilities are also discussed. We found a detrimental effect of P. azurea larvae on the growth of P. major nestlings, and an effect of fleas on mortality of F. hypoleuca nestlings, but these effects were not enhanced by air pollution. We conclude that the ectoparasites studied, at densities observed in our study area, are of minor importance in determining the breeding success of these two bird species.


2002 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 827-841 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Bredemeier

The focus in this review of long-term effects on forest ecosystems is on human impact. As a classification of this differentiated and complex matter, three domains of long-term effects with different scales in space and time are distinguished: 1- Exploitation and conversion history of forests in areas of extended human settlement 2- Long-range air pollution and acid deposition in industrialized regions 3- Current global loss of forests and soil degradation.There is an evident link between the first and the third point in the list. Cultivation of primary forestland — with its tremendous effects on land cover — took place in Europe many centuries ago and continued for centuries. Deforestation today is a phenomenon predominantly observed in the developing countries, yet it threatens biotic and soil resources on a global scale. Acidification of forest soils caused by long-range air pollution from anthropogenic emission sources is a regional to continental problem in industrialized parts of the world. As a result of emission reduction legislation, atmospheric acid deposition is currently on the retreat in the richer industrialized regions (e.g., Europe, U.S., Japan); however, because many other regions of the world are at present rapidly developing their polluting industries (e.g., China and India), “acid rain” will most probably remain a serious ecological problem on regional scales. It is believed to have caused considerable destabilization of forest ecosystems, adding to the strong structural and biogeochemical impacts resulting from exploitation history.Deforestation and soil degradation cause the most pressing ecological problems for the time being, at least on the global scale. In many of those regions where loss of forests and soils is now high, it may be extremely difficult or impossible to restore forest ecosystems and soil productivity. Moreover, the driving forces, which are predominantly of a demographic and socioeconomic nature, do not yet seem to be lessening in strength. It can only be hoped that a wise policy of international cooperation and shared aims can cope with this problem in the future.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zainul Mukrim Baharuddin ◽  
Ainna Hanis Zuhairi

Tropical Montane Cloud Forest (TMCF) is one of Earth’s most neglected ecosystems around the globe. More than half of these forests are situated within Southeast Asia. Malaysia is known for its numerous mountains that are exceptionally rich in biodiversity and locally endemic species, but they are also threatened by expanding human activity such as forestry, agriculture, infrastructure, and climate change. The study aims to critically assess the current state of moist TMCF, focusing on their physical and biological potentials as Bio indicators through Bio monitoring at Fraser Hill and Cameron Highland, Pahang, Malaysia. The mix-methods of observation surveys are to identify physical attributes such as light intensity, altitudes, temperature, wind velocity and air humidity. Secondly, laboratory tests are to identify heavy metal contamination absorbed by mosses. Based on the findings collected around the trails, a connection between altitude and microclimate could be found. The study finds that as the altitude increases and the temperature decreases, the vegetation becomes more dwarfed. Secondly, results from the analysis at Abu Suradi trail within Fraser Hill and Brinchang Trail within Cameron Highland have a higher average of aluminium and iron concentration. Mosses were manifested as good key indicators of air pollution with heavy metals to Malaysia highland forest ecosystems. It showed differential accumulation of heavy metals located near sources of pollution. Thus, the moss data confirms the persistence of risk of pollution of highland forest ecosystems in Malaysia, which demands environmental management. Furthermore, decision makers, planners and designers around the region can evaluate and improve their local strategies related to Tropical Montane Cloud Forest (TMCF) conservation and preservation, especially highlands such as Fraser Hill and Cameron Highland.


2007 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 206-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn Hunsaker ◽  
Andrzej Bytnerowicz ◽  
Jessica Auman ◽  
Ricardo Cisneros

Maintaining healthy forests is the major objective for the Forest Service scientists and managers working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Air pollution, specifically ozone (O3) and nitrogenous (N) air pollutants, may severely affect the health of forest ecosystems in the western U.S. Thus, the monitoring of air pollution concentration and deposition levels, as well as studies focused on understanding effects mechanisms, are essential for evaluation of risks associated with their presence. Such information is essential for development of proper management strategies for maintaining clean air, clean water, and healthy ecosystems on land managed by the Forest Service. We report on two years of research in the central Sierra Nevada of California, a semi-arid forest at elevations of 1100–2700 m. Information on O3and N air pollutants is obtained from a network of 18 passive samplers. We relate the atmospheric N concentration to N concentrations in streams, shallow soil water, and bulk deposition collectors within the Kings River Experimental Watershed. This watershed also contains an intensive site that is part of a recent Forest Service effort to calculate critical loads for N, sulfur, and acidity to forest ecosystems. The passive sampler design allows for extensive spatial measurements while the watershed experiment provides intensive spatial data for future analysis of ecosystem processes.


2012 ◽  
Vol 148 (3) ◽  
pp. 396-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Sawidis ◽  
Panagiotis Krystallidis ◽  
Dimitrios Veros ◽  
Mukesh Chettri

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