Mercury accumulation in leaves of different plant types – the significance of tissue age and specific leaf area

Abstract. Mercury, Hg, is one of the most problematic metals from an environmental perspective. To assess problems caused by Hg in environment, it crucial to understand processes biogeochemistry, but exchange between atmosphere and vegetation not sufficiently well characterized. We explored mercury concentration, [Hg], foliage a diverse set plant types, locations sampling periods study whether there continuous accumulation leaves needles over time. Measurements [Hg] were made for deciduous conifer trees Gothenburg, Sweden (botanical garden city area), as evergreen Rwanda. In addition, data wheat ozone experiment conducted at Östad, Sweden, included. Conifer quantitatively compared with literature data. every case where older was directly younger, higher tissue. Covering range current year up 4-year-old data, no sign saturation age. Thus, timescales approximately 1 month several years, uptake always dominated evasion. Rwandan broadleaved had generally due lack seasonal abscission than Swedish trees. The significance atmospheric plants shown charcoal-filtrated air led significantly lower leaf [Hg]. search general patterns, rates tree species Gothenburg area related specific (SLA). Leaf-area-based negatively non-linearly correlated SLA, while mass-based somewhat weaker positive relationship SLA. An elaborated understanding behind SLA may have potential support large-scale modelling circulation.