Effects of simulated acid rain on phaseolus vulgaris L. (fabaceae)

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

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/2441572· OSTI ID:7349134

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, had 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. (auth)

• Research Organization: Univ. of Montana, Missoula
• OSTI ID: 7349134
• 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

510200* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- 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
AIR POLLUTION
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOMASS
BUDS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
ENERGY SOURCES
HISTOLOGY
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INORGANIC ACIDS
LAND POLLUTION
LEAVES
MEASURING METHODS
PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
PLANTS
POLLUTION
RAIN
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SULFURIC ACID
SYNTHESIS