ISSN:
1573-3025
Keywords:
atomic absorption spectrophotometry
;
copper
;
grapefruit
;
iron
;
lead
;
manganese
;
orange
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Edible plants can be contaminated by air diffused pollutants. Research on stress caused by pollutants, which involves the biomonitoringof ornamental trees in the city of Palermo, including Citrus fruits,which are of considerable importance in Sicily's agricultural economy andagroindustrial programmes, has been carried out.Morphological observations of ornamental Citrus revealed anevergreen foliage and excellent leaf characteristics, even in environmentalcontexts where other plant species were found to have undergone morpho-anatomical changes.Stress symptoms related to the presence of lead which, supposedly, couldhave been absorbed by the pericarp or by the pulp of the navel orangebrasiliano N.L. 92 and 2 grapefruit cultivars were observed. Fruits, sections of pulp and leaves of brasiliano oranges collected from thefield in Lascari (Palermo, 38° N) of the “Centro di studio per ilmiglioramento genetico degli agrumi” (C.N.R. Palermo) and from theexperimental sites of the Faculty of Agriculture in the Parco d'Orleans inPalermo were compared. Fruits of the cultivars Ruby Red Star and Marshpicked from the field located in the Parco d'Orleans were also objects ofobservation.Lead, iron, manganese and copper were measured by atomic absorptionspectrophotometry and we conclude that, in these particular cultivationconditions, the brasiliano orange would not appear to be a suitable markerspecies and seems to be safe for agro-alimentary use.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1007679712045
