Effect of air pollution on needles of Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) Carriere in industrial area of Pančevo

Abstract

Research was done on needles of Cedrus atlantica from polluted and unpolluted environment. Stereological method was used for quantitative examination of changing of different structures of the needles. The obtained results showed that the volume density of mesophyll cells and intercellular spaces were statistically significantly increased, while the volume density of epidermis, central cylinder and resin ducts were decreased in polluted environment. The number of healthy mesophyll cells was decreased, while the number of damaged mesophyll cells was increased in polluted environment. The surface area of damaged mesophyll cells was significantly increased in polluted environment. Histological investigation was used to identify the injured mesophyll cells of types 1, 2, and 3 of the needles by the appearance of tannin inclusion in central vacuole, and their distribution in the needles. Histological results showed that damaged mesophyll cells of types 1, 2, and 3 were differently located in the needles. Damaged mesophyll cells of type 3 were predominantly distributed around stomata, while damaged cells of type 2 were located in the middle of the needle. Cells of type 1 were observed near the endodermis.