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Role of sooty mold fungi in degradation of polycycllic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS) in soil

Informally Refereed

Abstract

The focus of this research was on elucidation of the role of deciduous tree ecosystems in accumulation of fine-particle-associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals on leaves of deciduous trees. The studied species were Tilia x euchlora (frequently infested by sooty mold fungi) and Pyrus calleryana (unaffected by sooty mold fungi). The selected species have similar leaf morphology and were exposed to identical environmental conditions. Intra-species comparison showed that moldy linden leaves accumulate significantly higher amounts of PAHs and metals than unaffected linden leaves. Inter-species comparison revealed that in the absence of sooty mold fungi, physico-chemical properties of epicuticular waxes, rather than the amounts of waxes, might play an important role in accumulation of particulate matter on leaves.

Keywords

sooty mold fungi, fine particulate matter, PM2.5, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAHs, heavy metals, atmospheric air pollution, deciduous tree ecosystem

Citation

Jouraeva, Venera A.; Johnson, David L.; Hassett, John P.; Nowak, David J.; Shipunova, Natalia A.; Barbarossa, Dana. 2006. Role of sooty mold fungi in degradation of polycycllic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS) in soil. Environmental Research. 102: 272-282.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/18825