Effects of simulated acid rain on Phaseolus vulgaris l. (fabaceae)

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1976 · Am. J. Bot.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/2441572· OSTI ID:5670276

Ferenbaugh, R W

Experiments were performed to determine the effects of simulated acid rain on Phaseolus vulgaris l. at pH values below 3, plants exhibited a failure to attain normal height, and necrotic and wrinkled leaves, excessive and adventitious budding, and premature abscission of primary leaves. Histologically, leaves had smaller cells, less intercellular space, and smaller starch granules within the chloroplasts. Respiration rates of the treated plants increased only slightly at low pH values. Apparent rates of photosynthesis, however, increased dramatically. Both carbohydrate production and root biomass were reduced by low pH treatments, and application of congo red indicator to the acid-treated leaf tissue showed that the cell contents were acidified to a pH of below 4.0.

• OSTI ID: 5670276
• Journal Information: Am. J. Bot.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Bot.; (United States) Vol. 63:3; ISSN AJBOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520200 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
560303* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Plants-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ACID RAIN
ACIDIFICATION
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
BEANS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CELL CONSTITUENTS
CHLOROPLASTS
FOOD
HISTOLOGY
LEAVES
PH VALUE
PRODUCTIVITY
RAIN
RESPIRATION
SIMULATION
VEGETABLES