Nickel levels in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) organs under pollution conditions in Lipetsk city

Abstract

In the city of Lipetsk, the peculiarities of nickel accumulation in the above-ground organs of Scots pine have been determined. The research was conducted in pine stands ranging in age from 40 to 50 years. Sampling and research were carried out in the vegetation dynamics for two years (2019 and 2020). The nickel content in the needles and shoots of the first, second and third years of growth was determined by atomic absorption method. The nickel levels in pine needles and shoots were higher under contaminated conditions than in the control. The critical nickel levels for most plants in the aboveground part are 3,0 mg/kg and in our research, the nickel concentration in needles and shoots over the growing season did not exceed that level. Despite higher nickel levels in needles and shoots (relative to controls), there was no significant reduction in the needle and shoot growth during the first year of development under polluting conditions.