Biomonitoring of traffic-related nitrogen oxides in the Maurienne valley (Savoie, France), using purple moor grass growth parameters and leaf (15)N/(14)N ratio.

Effects of traffic-related nitrogenous emissions on purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea (L.) Moench) transplants, used here as a new biomonitoring species, were assessed along 500 m long transects orthogonal to roads located in two open areas in the Maurienne valley (French Alps). Leaves were sampled during summer 2004 and 2005 for total N-content and (15)N-abundance determination while nitrogen oxides (NO and NO(2)) concentrations were determined using passive diffusion samplers.

Ozone-induced cell death mediated with oxidative and calcium signaling pathways in tobacco bel-w3 and bel-B cell suspension cultures.

Ozone (O(3))-induced cell death in two suspension-cultured cell lines of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) derived from Bel-W3 (hyper-sensitive to O(3)) and Bel-B (highly tolerant to O(3)) varieties were studied. By exposing the newly prepared cell lines to the pulse of ozonized air, we could reproduce the conditions demonstrating the difference in O(3) sensitivity as observed in their original plants, depending on the exposure time.

Survival strategies of pomegranate and almond trees in a fluoride polluted area.

In the southern suburb of Sfax (Tunisia), almond and pomegranate trees grow in the vicinity of a phosphate fertilizer-producing factory. In order to reveal strategies adopted by these fruit species to live in restrictive conditions, we investigated the effect of fluoride pollution on the distribution of some elements during the growing season. The results show that calcium and magnesium play an important role in trapping fluoride and delaying the appearance of necroses.

Tradescantia micronucleus test indicates genotoxic potential of traffic emissions in European cities.

Urban atmospheres contain complex mixtures of air pollutants including mutagenic and carcinogenic substances such as benzene, diesel soot, heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In the frame of a European network for the assessment of air quality by the use of bioindicator plants, the Tradescantia micronucleus (Trad-MCN) test was applied to examine the genotoxicity of urban air pollution. Cuttings of Tradescantia clone #4430 were exposed to ambient air at 65 monitoring sites in 10 conurbations employing a standardised methodology.

The growth and gas exchange response of soil-planted Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] and red oak (Quercus rubra L.) exposed to elevated CO and to naturally occurring drought.

Norway spruce and red oak trees were planted directly into the soil and exposed to 700 μmol mol CO in open-top chambers. There were large inter-specific differences in response to naturally occurring drought during the second year of exposure to elevated CO . Both species had decreased assimilation rates.