State of scots pine needles’ epicuticular waxes and content of microelements in bioindication

Studies on the chemical composition and variability of morphological structure of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) allow to assess the health state of trees growing in conditions of exposure to alkaline dust emission. The aim of the studies was the morphological analysis of the epicuticular waxes and the content of microelements in the needles of Scots pine growing in conditions of alkaline pressure, compared to the needles from emission-free areas. The studies were conducted on two-year-old needles collected in the vicinity of cement mills in Sitkowka and Ozarow, located in the Swietokrzyskie Province. The chemical composition analysis of needles indicated higher contents of Cu, Pb and Sr as well as lower content of Mn in the needles from alkalised areas. They were also characterised by higher contents of pHKCl than in the needles from emission-free areas. The images of needles, taken under a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), showed definite signs of epicuticular wax erosion in comparison to the needles collected from the control area. According to Turunen’s classification, third and fourth degrees of epicuticular wax coverage atrophy were found in two-year-old needles. The analysis of the chemical composition of the needles and the morphology of their surface structure indicated a negative impact of cement dust pollution on Scots pine’s assimilation apparatus.