Biochemical Markers of Contact with the Organic Pollutants of Urban Atmosphere in the Leaves of Woody Plants

Abstract

Changes caused by contact with typical organic pollutants of urban atmosphere (formaldehyde, benzaldehyde, hydroperoxides) in the chemical composition of the leaves and shoots of woody plants are investigated. A decrease in quinic acid content and an increase in shikimic acid content were detected in the young shoots of Picea obovata Ledeb. and Picea pungens Engelm.. Investigation of changes in the chemical composition of shoots in contact with pollutants under laboratory conditions revealed that the contact with formaldehyde and hydroperoxide affects the biochemical cycle of quinic acid. High concentration of gaseous formaldehyde was found to cause an increase in the content of lactic acid in the leaves of Padus maackii (Rupr.) Kom.. In the leaves of Tilia cordata Mill. and Syringa josikaea Jacq. fil., high formaldehyde concentration caused a decrease in glycolic acid content and an increase in oxalic acid content, while after the contact with gaseous benzaldehyde this compound was detected in the leaves in rather high concentration, Analysis of the ligneous parts of plants from the territories with heavy air pollution revealed increased content of syringaldehyde, which may be a consequence of the oxidative degradation of lignin under the action of atmospheric pollutants.