Grasslands

Cobalt :: terrestrial ecosystems

Key concerns

Cobalt in soil is retained by oxides, such as iron and manganese oxide, crystalline materials including aluminosilicates and goethite, and natural organic substances found in soil. In clay soils, the adsorption may be due to ion exchange at the cationic sites on clay with either simple ionic cobalt or hydroloysed ionic species such as cobalt hydroxide (ATSDR 1992).

There is a paucity of data on the effects of cobalt on species indicative of terrestrial ecosystems.

Cadmium :: terrestrial ecosystems

Key concerns

Cadmium has been shown reduce the growth of plants. Most of the data are from laboratory studies, in which plants were exposed to nutrient solutions containing soluble cadmium salts in the mg/l concentration range. Cadmium found in the environment is likely to be bound to soil and is subsequently less bioavailable (Eisler 1985; WHO 1992).

Boron :: all ecosystems

Key concerns:

Boron toxicity in plants is most likely to occur following the continued use of boron-contaminated irrigation waters, however, direct exposure from airborne emissions may also produce localized toxic effects (Howe 1998). Symptoms of boron toxicity in plants include yellowing, spotting or drying of leaf tissues, especially on the tips and sides of older leaves (Gupta et al. 1985).

Antimony :: all ecosystems

Key Concerns:

There is a paucity of data on the effects of antimony on species and their ecosystems.

Emissions of antimony, such as those from smelters, can remain in the atmosphere for more than one month and therefore be transported over long distances (ATSDR 1992; Steinnes 1997). Antimony in soil is likely to be in the form of antimony sulphide, which is slightly soluble, and therefore potentially bioavailable.

Soot :: terrestrial ecosystems

Key Concerns:

Soot, like particles in general, may affect vegetation by both physical and chemical processes. Physically, pa rticles may cover the leaf surface and reduce the amount of light available for photosynthesis, or may occlude stomata. Occlusion may lead to increased resistance to gas exchange, or may prevent full stomatal closure, leading to water stress. Increased transpiration is a common response to particle exposure. Infestation by pests and pathogens is likely to be enhanced.

Pages

Subscribe to Grasslands