Discussion of the Suitability of Plant Responses as a Basis for Air Pollution Control Measures

Abstract

In the development of measures for pollutant control and the selection of methods for their realization, the following points must be considered: high pollutant concentrations, which cause acute injury, usually occur only during production problems or accidents at the pollutant source, or during unfavorable weather conditions. As a result of increasing density of industrial and domestic areas and traffic, the pollution situation is characterized by persistent effects of low ambient concentrations. Plants have little or no chance for detoxifying absorbed pollutants, due to the lack of sufficient pollution-free times and as a result of accumulatory effects in the plant organs and soil. The number of biologically active pollutants that occur together is increasing. Because of effects of pollutants occurring in combination or alternately, increasing risks of injury to vegetation must be expected which, at the present time, cannot be evaluated. If optimal results for the protection of vegetation are to be achieved, investigations of pollutant effects must concentrate on such conditions.