THE CHANGES OF THE COMPOSITION OF ELEMENTS IN BEECH LEAVES DURING ITS GROWTH AT SHIRAKAMI-SANCHI WORLD HERITAGE AREA

Abstract

Beech (Fagus crenata) leaves were collected at three sites in and near the Shirakami-Sanchi World Heritage Area (a mountainous region) during the plant growing season of year 1999. The composition and concentration of the elements were determined by the method of Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE). Thirty one elements were determined in total. Na , Mg , Si , P , S , Cl , K , Ca , Mn and Fe were found to be the most important elements in all sites. The concentrations of Na , Si and Cl in leaves were found to be increased with the growth of leaves, while those of P , S and K were to be decreased. The concentrations of other major elements did not change with respect to leaf phenology. Those analysis of the elements in the beech leaves suggested that 1) Na , Si and Cl are the key elements for judging the air pollution phenomenon, 2) P , S , K , Ca , Mn , Fe , Cu , Zn and Rb may play an important role for the metabolism of plants.