Correlation between the degree of air pollution and the distribution of calcium oxalate crystals in the gingko leaf

Journal Article · Fri Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1972 · Microchem. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0026-265X(72)90138-5· OSTI ID:6352638

Umemoto, K; Hozumi, K

It is now found that the leaves of the gingko tree, Gingko biloba Linn, start to change color prematurely (in July) and are frequently shed considerably in advance of their normal release due to exposure to automotive exhaust. A comparison was made between leaves taken from clean locations free from exhaust fumes and others from high traffic intersections in urban areas. There were noticeable changes in the distribution of inorganic crystals, calcium oxalate, which suggested a biochemical synthesis in the leaf of oxalic acid from inspired carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and water, with subsequent neutralization by calcium ion. Results showed significant differences in the size and shape of the crystals, and in their original sites in the leaf. An effect of air pollution from automobile exhaust fumes upon the metabolism of the gingko tree is thus strikingly evident. 4 figures, 2 tables.

• Research Organization: Kyoto Univ., Japan
• OSTI ID: 6352638
• Journal Information: Microchem. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Microchem. J.; (United States) Vol. 17:6; ISSN MICJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560303* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Plants-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
ALKALINE EARTH METAL COMPOUNDS
ASIA
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CALCIUM COMPOUNDS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON DIOXIDE
CARBON MONOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
CARBOXYLIC ACID SALTS
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
CHALCOGENIDES
CORRELATIONS
DICARBOXYLIC ACIDS
DISTRIBUTION
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
EXHAUST GASES
FLUIDS
GASEOUS WASTES
GASES
JAPAN
LEAVES
METABOLISM
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXALATES
OXALIC ACID
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PARTICLES
PARTICULATES
PLANTS
POLLUTION
TISSUE DISTRIBUTION
TREES
WASTES