Photosynthetic efficiency was estimated by chlorophyll fluorescence measurements (Fv/Fm) in 11 plant species growing along a steep gradient of airborne pollution along the Russian-Norwegian border (70°N, 30°E). Photosynthetic efficiency was positively correlated with environmental variables including annual temperature and a maritime gradient and was negatively correlated with the airborne concentrations of Cu, Ni, and SO2 from the Cu-Ni smelters. Photosynthetic efficiency in six plant species from the mixed forest, but not pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), and three species from the birch forest was inversely correlated with SO2 and the concentrations of Ni and Cu in lichens. Measurement of fluorescence in these species was a sensitive indicator of pollutant impact. Plant cover at the 16 study sites and the photosynthetic efficiency of five target species correlated with normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values. This study demonstrated that it is possible to detect relations among field-measured ecophysiological responses in plants, levels of airborne pollutants, and satellite remote-sensed data.Key words: chlorophyll fluorescence, smelters, sulfur dioxide, nickel, copper, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI).
On the seasonal relation of sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence and transpiration in a temperate mixed forest
