Ecological behavior and effects of energy related pollutants. Progress report, June 1976--August 1977. [SO2 impact on survival and stability of plant species; fallout /sup 137/Cs transfer processes in Southeastern Coastal Plain ecosystem]
The impact of SO/sub 2/ on the survival and stability of plant populations and communities was studied. The results to date have an important bearing on the adequacy of current permissible ambient air levels for SO/sub 2/. Atmospheric SO/sub 2/ concentrations at near permissible levels had a significant adverse effect on sexual reproduction processes, which results in a reduced number of viable seeds, in all 8 populations tested. Implications for both natural and agricultural plant species and possible significant losses of fruit production are discussed. An ecological implication of the invisible effect of fruit and seed mortality is postulated since the life cycle of many insects and the trophic relations of numerous animals depend, at least in part, on fruit production by trees and shrubs. Hence, there is a potential for disruptive effects on ecosystem level processes. Results are also reported from four systems-oriented studies within the Lower Three Runs Creek Watershed, Savannah River Plant, to examine fallout /sup 137/Cs transfer processes in ecological systems characteristic of the Southeastern Coastal Plain. These studies were carried out within the stream and its floodplains, within floodplains along the stream gradient, in upland aquatic systems (Carolina Bays), and in the upland scrub-oak forest system. Results are discussed.
- Research Organization:
- Emory Univ., Atlanta, Ga. (USA). Dept. of Biology
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-76-S-05-2412
- OSTI ID:
- 5336845
- Report Number(s):
- ORO-2412-85; TRN: 78-004353
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
FRUIT TREES
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE
PLANTS
POPULATION DYNAMICS
REPRODUCTION
SULFUR DIOXIDE
TOXICITY
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
REVEGETATION
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
CESIUM 137
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
SOUTH CAROLINA
ALKALI METAL ISOTOPES
BETA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BETA-MINUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BIOMASS
CESIUM ISOTOPES
CHALCOGENIDES
ECOSYSTEMS
ENERGY SOURCES
ISOTOPES
MASS TRANSFER
NORTH AMERICA
NUCLEI
ODD-EVEN NUCLEI
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
RADIOISOTOPES
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SAFETY STANDARDS
STANDARDS
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SULFUR OXIDES
SURFACE WATERS
TREES
USA
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
500200* - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
553000 - Agriculture & Food Technology
560303 - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Plants- (-1987)
510200 - Environment
Terrestrial- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
510302 - Environment
Terrestrial- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport- Terrestrial Ecosystems & Food Chains- (-1987)
520302 - Environment
Aquatic- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport- Aquatic Ecosystems & Food Chains- (-1987)