Comparative Characteristics of Pine, Spruce and Larch Pigmental Complex Seasonal Variability in Industrial Pollution Conditions

Abstract

The present research will analyse the technogenic load influence on chlorophylls a and b and carotenoid maintenance in Preural coniferous forest-forming trees during the vegetative period by using spectophotometery; it will also reveal species-specific reactions. The ecological species-specificity of the adaptations of pine, spruce and larch pigmental complexes to industrial pollution in the conditions of the Ufa industrial center (UIC) is shown: similar adaptive tendencies are not revealed, multidirectional reactions of separate pigments often depend on the vegetation period. Needles are characterized by rather good formation and stability of the pigmental structure concerning chlorophylls a and b. However, in pollution conditions the share of chlorophylls a and b significantly increases against a background decrease the share of carotenoids. Despite the considerable photosynthetic activity of larch, which exceeds that of pine and spruce, its pigmental complex is more sensitive to industrial pollution.