Sulphur contamination of soil and Laurus nobilis L. leaves in the botanical garden of Naples University

Abstract

The sulphur content in the leaves of Laurus nobilis L., and in soil was measured to estimate the level of SO₂ pollution in the Botanical Garden of Naples University. Annual samples were taken during 1980, 1981, and 1982 at 10 locations to obtain an overall view of the incidence of urban pollution.

The level of sulphur measured in leaves and soil differed significantly among locations and years. The amount of sulphur in the soil was correlated with the rainfall that preceded the annual sampling. Analyses of leaf chlorophyll and nitrogen content showed that the levels of chlorophyll and nitrogen decrease as the amount of sulphur in the leaf increases, thereby confirming that SO₂ has an unfavourable effect on plant metabolism.

Key words:

• SO₂ pollution
• leaf sulphur content
• soil sulphur content
• Laurus nobilis L.

Notes

Istituto di Botanica dell ‘Unlversità di Napoli, via Foria, 223, Napoli

ENEL, CRTN, Laboratorio di ricerehe ambientall, Cellole, Caserta