Exposure of Betula pendula Roth pollen to atmospheric pollutants CO, O-3 and SO2

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

Lazaro Goncalves Cuinica (Author) Other; Ilda Abreu (Author) Other; Carlos Rocha Gomes (Author) FCUP; Joaquim Carlos G E Gomes Esteves da Silva (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Grana

Vol. 52

Pages: 299-304

ISSN: 0017-3134

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 17 Citations

Scopus - 19 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Biological sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-006-JAH

DOI: 10.1080/00173134.2013.830145

Abstract (EN): Betula pendula pollen, under laboratory conditions, was exposed to three atmospheric pollutants: carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O-3) and sulphur dioxide (SO2). Two levels of each pollutant were used; the first level corresponds to a concentration on the atmospheric hour-limit value acceptable for human health protection in Europe, the second level to a higher, at least more than double of the first, concentration level. Experiments were done under artificial solar light with controlled temperature and relative humidity. Our results indicate that, in urban areas, concentrations of CO, O-3 and SO2 on the limits established for human protection, can affect pollen fertility. We verified a decrease in the viability and germination of the pollen, indicating damage to the pollen membrane system. Also, a general decreasing trend in the total protein content of the exposed samples when compared with the control samples was observed, which suggests alterations in the antigenic characteristics of pollen.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 6