Effects of air pollution from road transport on growth and physiology of six transplanted bryophyte species

Environ Pollut. 2008 Nov;156(2):332-40. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2008.02.011. Epub 2008 Apr 14.

Abstract

Motor vehicles emit a cocktail of pollutants; however, little is known about the effects of these pollutants on bryophytes located in roadside habitats. Six bryophyte species were transplanted to either a woodland or a moorland site adjacent to a motorway, and were monitored over sevenmonths from autumn through to spring. All species showed an increase in one or more of the following near the motorway: growth, membrane leakage, chlorophyll concentration, and nitrogen concentration. The strongest effects were observed in the first 50-100 m from the motorway: this was consistent with the nitrogen dioxide pollution profile, which decreased to background levels at a distance of 100-125 m. It is hypothesised that motor vehicle pollution was responsible for the effects observed, and that nitrogen oxides had a key influence. The observed effects may lead to changes in vegetation composition with significant implications for nature conservation and management of roadside sites.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / toxicity*
  • Bryophyta / chemistry
  • Bryophyta / growth & development*
  • Chlorophyll / analysis
  • Ecology / methods
  • England
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • Nitrogen / analysis
  • Nitrogen Oxides / toxicity*
  • Trees
  • Vehicle Emissions / toxicity*
  • Wetlands

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Nitrogen Oxides
  • Vehicle Emissions
  • Chlorophyll
  • Nitrogen