Phenolics and lignin in plants of spruce and pine forests under industrial air pollution

Abstract

The changes in the content of phenolic compounds and lignin in the needles/leaves of six plant species growing in spruce and pine forests of the Kola Peninsula, including those exposed to industrial air pollution (Cu, Ni) of varying degrees of intensity, were established. The results obtained indicate that the reaction to industrial pollution largely depends on the type of plant and the place of growth. Some plant species adapt to increased anthropogenic loads by increasing concentrations of phenolic compoundsand lignin, while others, on the contrary, reduce these indicators. Such, changes in perennial needles/leaves of plants can lead to a change in the rate of decomposition of this litter, which can affect the functioning of the ecosystem (for example: slowing down the biogeochemical cycles of nutrients). Biochemical monitoring of Empetrum hermaphroditum looks very promising, because of its resistance to contamination and an unambiguous reaction to it in both spruce and pine forests.