2021
Martínez, D. N.; de la Barrera, E.
Physiological screening of ruderal weed biomonitors of atmospheric nitrogen deposition Journal Article
In: Botanical Sciences, vol. 99, no. 3, pp. 573-587, 2021.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: atmospheric pollution, biomass, chlorophyll, invasive species, nitrate reductase, nitrogen, plant nutrition, stable isotopes
@article{Martínez2021,
title = {Physiological screening of ruderal weed biomonitors of atmospheric nitrogen deposition},
author = {D. N. Martínez and E. de la Barrera },
url = {https://botanicalsciences.com.mx/index.php/botanicalSciences/article/view/2789},
doi = {10.17129/botsci.2789},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-05-18},
journal = {Botanical Sciences},
volume = {99},
number = {3},
pages = {573-587},
abstract = {Background: Plants take up various species of reactive nitrogen and their different physiological responses to the increase of nitrogen availability can be useful in biomonitoring.
Questions: Does atmospheric nitrogen deposition affect the physiology of ruderal weeds? Which species are most responsive to the nitrogen deposition?
Studied species: Eleven ruderal weeds.
Study site and dates: Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico. 2019.
Methods: Under scenarios of 10, 20, 40 and 80 kg N ha-1year-1, we quantified plant responses of biomass production, nitrate reductase activity, chlorophyll content, fluorescence, δ15N, nitrogen and carbon content.
Results: Total biomass production increased with the rate of nitrogen deposition for Bidens pilosa, Chloris gayana, Lepidium virginicum, and Pennisetum setaceum, as chlorophyll content in B. pilosa, C. gayana, and L. virginicum. In turn, the below- to above-ground biomass ratio decreased for B. pilosa and C. gayana, as photosynthetic efficiency in C. gayana, L. virginicum, and Chloris pycnothrix. Nitrate reductase activity was only affected in L. virginicumm, C. gayana, and T. officinale.
With the exception of C. pycnothrix, the nitrogen content increased, while the carbon augmented in C. gayana, C. pycnothrix, and P. setaceum. The C/N ratio was reduced in B. pilosa, C. gayana, Chloris virgata, P. setaceum, and T. officinale. The δ15N was increased in B. pilosa, C. gayana, C. virgata and P. setaceum.
Conclusions: Bidens pilosa, C. gayana, L. virginicum, and P. setaceum were the species with more affected variables to nitrogen deposition, which could be useful in the biomonitoring.
},
keywords = {atmospheric pollution, biomass, chlorophyll, invasive species, nitrate reductase, nitrogen, plant nutrition, stable isotopes},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Background: Plants take up various species of reactive nitrogen and their different physiological responses to the increase of nitrogen availability can be useful in biomonitoring.
Questions: Does atmospheric nitrogen deposition affect the physiology of ruderal weeds? Which species are most responsive to the nitrogen deposition?
Studied species: Eleven ruderal weeds.
Study site and dates: Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico. 2019.
Methods: Under scenarios of 10, 20, 40 and 80 kg N ha-1year-1, we quantified plant responses of biomass production, nitrate reductase activity, chlorophyll content, fluorescence, δ15N, nitrogen and carbon content.
Results: Total biomass production increased with the rate of nitrogen deposition for Bidens pilosa, Chloris gayana, Lepidium virginicum, and Pennisetum setaceum, as chlorophyll content in B. pilosa, C. gayana, and L. virginicum. In turn, the below- to above-ground biomass ratio decreased for B. pilosa and C. gayana, as photosynthetic efficiency in C. gayana, L. virginicum, and Chloris pycnothrix. Nitrate reductase activity was only affected in L. virginicumm, C. gayana, and T. officinale.
With the exception of C. pycnothrix, the nitrogen content increased, while the carbon augmented in C. gayana, C. pycnothrix, and P. setaceum. The C/N ratio was reduced in B. pilosa, C. gayana, Chloris virgata, P. setaceum, and T. officinale. The δ15N was increased in B. pilosa, C. gayana, C. virgata and P. setaceum.
Conclusions: Bidens pilosa, C. gayana, L. virginicum, and P. setaceum were the species with more affected variables to nitrogen deposition, which could be useful in the biomonitoring.
Questions: Does atmospheric nitrogen deposition affect the physiology of ruderal weeds? Which species are most responsive to the nitrogen deposition?
Studied species: Eleven ruderal weeds.
Study site and dates: Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico. 2019.
Methods: Under scenarios of 10, 20, 40 and 80 kg N ha-1year-1, we quantified plant responses of biomass production, nitrate reductase activity, chlorophyll content, fluorescence, δ15N, nitrogen and carbon content.
Results: Total biomass production increased with the rate of nitrogen deposition for Bidens pilosa, Chloris gayana, Lepidium virginicum, and Pennisetum setaceum, as chlorophyll content in B. pilosa, C. gayana, and L. virginicum. In turn, the below- to above-ground biomass ratio decreased for B. pilosa and C. gayana, as photosynthetic efficiency in C. gayana, L. virginicum, and Chloris pycnothrix. Nitrate reductase activity was only affected in L. virginicumm, C. gayana, and T. officinale.
With the exception of C. pycnothrix, the nitrogen content increased, while the carbon augmented in C. gayana, C. pycnothrix, and P. setaceum. The C/N ratio was reduced in B. pilosa, C. gayana, Chloris virgata, P. setaceum, and T. officinale. The δ15N was increased in B. pilosa, C. gayana, C. virgata and P. setaceum.
Conclusions: Bidens pilosa, C. gayana, L. virginicum, and P. setaceum were the species with more affected variables to nitrogen deposition, which could be useful in the biomonitoring.
Díaz-Álvarez, E. A.; de la Barrera, E.
Influence of land-use on the C and N status of a C4 invasive grass in a semi-arid region: implications for biomonitoring Journal Article
In: Plants, vol. 10, pp. 942, 2021.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: atmospheric pollution, biomonitoring, buffel grass, carbon, global ecology, invasive species, nitrogen, pollution, Sonora, stable isotopes
@article{Díaz-Álvarez2021bb,
title = {Influence of land-use on the C and N status of a C4 invasive grass in a semi-arid region: implications for biomonitoring},
author = {E. A. Díaz-Álvarez and E. de la Barrera },
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/10/5/942},
doi = {10.3390/plants10050942},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-05-09},
journal = {Plants},
volume = {10},
pages = {942},
abstract = {Biomonitoring of atmospheric pollution is an increasingly accepted practice. However, most existing biomonitors are usually epiphytic species from mesic environments. This work assessed the suitability of buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris), an invasive C4 grass in northwestern Mexico, as a biomonitor, by means of the spatial distribution of the carbon and nitrogen content and isotopic signatures for grass samples collected from urban, agricultural, and natural areas throughout the state of Sonora. We found the highest tissue carbon content of 45.6% (on a dry weight basis) and highest nitrogen content of 3.31% for buffelgrass from the Yaqui Valley. We also found the lowest δ13C of −15.9‰, and the highest δ15N of 16.7‰ in the same region. In contrast, the lowest carbon and nitrogen content of 39.4 and 1.49% were found for Bahía de Kino and Río Sonora mountains, respectively. The lowest δ15N of 2.18‰ and the highest δ13C of −13.7‰ were measured for two remote locations. These results show the influence that pollutant emissions, including agriculture and transportation, have on elemental and isotopic composition of vegetation. Buffelgrass is most adequate for tracking carbon and nitrogen emissions in arid environments and for determining alterations on nitrogen soil reactions, as a first approximation for saturation.},
keywords = {atmospheric pollution, biomonitoring, buffel grass, carbon, global ecology, invasive species, nitrogen, pollution, Sonora, stable isotopes},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Biomonitoring of atmospheric pollution is an increasingly accepted practice. However, most existing biomonitors are usually epiphytic species from mesic environments. This work assessed the suitability of buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris), an invasive C4 grass in northwestern Mexico, as a biomonitor, by means of the spatial distribution of the carbon and nitrogen content and isotopic signatures for grass samples collected from urban, agricultural, and natural areas throughout the state of Sonora. We found the highest tissue carbon content of 45.6% (on a dry weight basis) and highest nitrogen content of 3.31% for buffelgrass from the Yaqui Valley. We also found the lowest δ13C of −15.9‰, and the highest δ15N of 16.7‰ in the same region. In contrast, the lowest carbon and nitrogen content of 39.4 and 1.49% were found for Bahía de Kino and Río Sonora mountains, respectively. The lowest δ15N of 2.18‰ and the highest δ13C of −13.7‰ were measured for two remote locations. These results show the influence that pollutant emissions, including agriculture and transportation, have on elemental and isotopic composition of vegetation. Buffelgrass is most adequate for tracking carbon and nitrogen emissions in arid environments and for determining alterations on nitrogen soil reactions, as a first approximation for saturation.
2020
Díaz-Álvarez, E. A.; de la Barrera, E.
Isotopic biomonitoring of anthropic carbon emissions in a megalopolis Journal Article
In: PeerJ, vol. 8, pp. e9283, 2020, ISSN: 2167-8359.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: atmospheric pollution, biomonitoring, biomonitors, stable isotopes, Tillandsia, urban ecology
@article{Díaz-Álvarez2020b,
title = {Isotopic biomonitoring of anthropic carbon emissions in a megalopolis},
author = {E. A. Díaz-Álvarez and E. de la Barrera},
doi = {10.7717/peerj.9283},
issn = {2167-8359},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-05-29},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {8},
pages = {e9283},
abstract = {Atmospheric pollution has become a serious threat for human health and the environment. However, the deployment, operation, and maintenance of monitoring networks can represent a high cost for local governments. In certain locations, the use of naturally occurring plants for monitoring pollution can be a useful supplement of existing monitoring networks, and even provide information when other types of monitoring are lacking. In this work, we i) determined the tissue carbon content and the δ13C values for the epiphytic CAM bromeliad Tillandsia recurvata and the relationship of both parameters with the existing CO concentrations in the Valley of Mexico basin, and ii) mapped the spatial distribution of such elemental and isotopic composition for this plant within the basin, in order to assess its potential as an atmospheric biomonitor of carbon monoxide, a pollutant with important repercussions on public health. The CO concentrations in the basin ranged from 0.41 ppm at rural locations to 0.81 ppm at urban sites. The carbon content of T. recurvata which averaged 42.9 ± 0.34% (dry weight), was not influenced by the surrounding CO concentration. In contrast, the δ13C depended on the sites where the plants were collected. For example, the values were ‒13.21‰ in rural areas and as low as –17.47‰ in an urban site. Indeed, the isotopic values had a positive linear relationship with the atmospheric CO concentrations. Given the close relationship observed between the isotopic composition of T. recurvata with the CO concentrations in the Valley of Mexico, the δ13C values can be useful for the detection of atmospheric carbonaceous emissions.},
keywords = {atmospheric pollution, biomonitoring, biomonitors, stable isotopes, Tillandsia, urban ecology},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Atmospheric pollution has become a serious threat for human health and the environment. However, the deployment, operation, and maintenance of monitoring networks can represent a high cost for local governments. In certain locations, the use of naturally occurring plants for monitoring pollution can be a useful supplement of existing monitoring networks, and even provide information when other types of monitoring are lacking. In this work, we i) determined the tissue carbon content and the δ13C values for the epiphytic CAM bromeliad Tillandsia recurvata and the relationship of both parameters with the existing CO concentrations in the Valley of Mexico basin, and ii) mapped the spatial distribution of such elemental and isotopic composition for this plant within the basin, in order to assess its potential as an atmospheric biomonitor of carbon monoxide, a pollutant with important repercussions on public health. The CO concentrations in the basin ranged from 0.41 ppm at rural locations to 0.81 ppm at urban sites. The carbon content of T. recurvata which averaged 42.9 ± 0.34% (dry weight), was not influenced by the surrounding CO concentration. In contrast, the δ13C depended on the sites where the plants were collected. For example, the values were ‒13.21‰ in rural areas and as low as –17.47‰ in an urban site. Indeed, the isotopic values had a positive linear relationship with the atmospheric CO concentrations. Given the close relationship observed between the isotopic composition of T. recurvata with the CO concentrations in the Valley of Mexico, the δ13C values can be useful for the detection of atmospheric carbonaceous emissions.
2019
Díaz-Álvarez, E. A.; de la Barrera, E.
Drying protocol does not alter plant δ13C and δ15N: a baseline survey for ecological studies Journal Article
In: Isotopes in Environmental & Health Studies, vol. 55, pp. 526-531, 2019.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: atmospheric pollution, biomonitoring, ecophysiology, microwave, stable isotopes
@article{Díaz-Álvarez2019c,
title = {Drying protocol does not alter plant δ13C and δ15N: a baseline survey for ecological studies},
author = {E. A. Díaz-Álvarez and E. de la Barrera},
doi = {10.1080/10256016.2019.1673747},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-10-09},
journal = {Isotopes in Environmental & Health Studies},
volume = {55},
pages = {526-531},
abstract = {The use of stable isotopes in plant ecological studies has become widespread over the past few decades, given the potential of this tool for integrating physiological processes within an individual and allowing to track ecosystem-wide processes at various scales, with applications ranging from determining past meteorological conditions and potential adaptations of ecosystems to climate change, to biomonitoring studies of atmospheric pollution. However, the drying protocol might alter the isotopic signatures of plant samples given that high temperatures can volatilize various organic compounds or delay the halting of physiological processes at lower drying temperatures. We thus evaluated the effect of four drying protocols on the carbon and nitrogen isotopic signatures for 23 species of plants. In particular, leaves were either freeze dried, placed in a herbarium drying stove (ca. 50 ºC), in a gravity convection oven (80 ºC), or microwaved (900 Watts) in 2-minute pulses, until constant weight. For each species, neither treatment led to significantly different δ13C values, which ranged from ‒31.7‰ to ‒12.4‰. The δ15N values of 21 of the species considered were not affected by the drying protocols, ranging from ‒11.6‰ to ‒8.8‰. For Tillandsia makoyana, significant differences were observed between the freeze dried and the microwaved samples and between the freeze dried samples and those dried at 50 ºC for Macroptilium gibbosifolium. },
keywords = {atmospheric pollution, biomonitoring, ecophysiology, microwave, stable isotopes},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The use of stable isotopes in plant ecological studies has become widespread over the past few decades, given the potential of this tool for integrating physiological processes within an individual and allowing to track ecosystem-wide processes at various scales, with applications ranging from determining past meteorological conditions and potential adaptations of ecosystems to climate change, to biomonitoring studies of atmospheric pollution. However, the drying protocol might alter the isotopic signatures of plant samples given that high temperatures can volatilize various organic compounds or delay the halting of physiological processes at lower drying temperatures. We thus evaluated the effect of four drying protocols on the carbon and nitrogen isotopic signatures for 23 species of plants. In particular, leaves were either freeze dried, placed in a herbarium drying stove (ca. 50 ºC), in a gravity convection oven (80 ºC), or microwaved (900 Watts) in 2-minute pulses, until constant weight. For each species, neither treatment led to significantly different δ13C values, which ranged from ‒31.7‰ to ‒12.4‰. The δ15N values of 21 of the species considered were not affected by the drying protocols, ranging from ‒11.6‰ to ‒8.8‰. For Tillandsia makoyana, significant differences were observed between the freeze dried and the microwaved samples and between the freeze dried samples and those dried at 50 ºC for Macroptilium gibbosifolium.
Díaz-Álvarez, E. A.; Felix, J. D.; de la Barrera, E.
Elemental and isotopic assessment for Colombian orchids from a montane cloud forest: a baseline for global environmental change Journal Article
In: Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, vol. 41, no. 6, pp. 99, 2019.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: biodiversity, CAM, ecophysiology, epiphytes, global change, nitrogen, orchid, photosynthesis, stable isotopes
@article{Díaz-Álvarez2019,
title = {Elemental and isotopic assessment for Colombian orchids from a montane cloud forest: a baseline for global environmental change},
author = {E. A. Díaz-Álvarez and J. D. Felix and E. de la Barrera},
url = {https://rdcu.be/bCRG6},
doi = {10.1007/s11738-019-2893-y},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-05-16},
journal = {Acta Physiologiae Plantarum},
volume = {41},
number = {6},
pages = {99},
abstract = {Orchidaceae is the largest family of plants, reaching its maximum diversity in Colombia where 4000 species have been registered. One particular ecosystem with high diversity of orchids is the tropical montane cloud forest characterized by high humidity and low air temperatures. However, due to anthropic pressure such as land use change its area has been reduced. This is not the only anthropic disturbance that can affect the continuity of this forest and orchids, climate change and nitrogen deposition also become threats. By means of elemental composition and isotopic measurements of carbon and nitrogen, we determined the photosynthetic pathway for orchids from a tropical cloud forest in Colombia, for which, we also evaluated the nutritional status of nitrogen and its relationship with atmospheric deposition. We found 46 species from 18 genera; of these, 19 species were epiphytic, 9 lithophytic and 18 terrestrials. The carbon content was not significantly different among the species evaluated, averaging 46.4 ± 0.41% (dry weight). In turn, only one terrestrial orchid had a nitrogen content above 2.2%, averaged 1.4 ± 0.07% for the remaining 45 species. The δ13C that averaged − 28.1 ± 0.4‰ for 45 species was typical of C3 plants, while only one species, whose δ13C of 18.8‰ can be considered CAM. The δ15N values for 44 orchids were negative, in total they ranged from − 8.1 to 4.5‰. It can be concluded that the temperatures in this area are not yet high enough to produce a noticeable change in photosynthesis as evidenced by the carbon content of orchids, however, the expected rise would bring harmful consequences for these populations of orchids, especially when considering that these orchids were collected at the highest altitudinal range of the region. Moreover, the rates of nitrogen deposition are not high enough yet to leave a significant signal in the vegetation.},
keywords = {biodiversity, CAM, ecophysiology, epiphytes, global change, nitrogen, orchid, photosynthesis, stable isotopes},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Orchidaceae is the largest family of plants, reaching its maximum diversity in Colombia where 4000 species have been registered. One particular ecosystem with high diversity of orchids is the tropical montane cloud forest characterized by high humidity and low air temperatures. However, due to anthropic pressure such as land use change its area has been reduced. This is not the only anthropic disturbance that can affect the continuity of this forest and orchids, climate change and nitrogen deposition also become threats. By means of elemental composition and isotopic measurements of carbon and nitrogen, we determined the photosynthetic pathway for orchids from a tropical cloud forest in Colombia, for which, we also evaluated the nutritional status of nitrogen and its relationship with atmospheric deposition. We found 46 species from 18 genera; of these, 19 species were epiphytic, 9 lithophytic and 18 terrestrials. The carbon content was not significantly different among the species evaluated, averaging 46.4 ± 0.41% (dry weight). In turn, only one terrestrial orchid had a nitrogen content above 2.2%, averaged 1.4 ± 0.07% for the remaining 45 species. The δ13C that averaged − 28.1 ± 0.4‰ for 45 species was typical of C3 plants, while only one species, whose δ13C of 18.8‰ can be considered CAM. The δ15N values for 44 orchids were negative, in total they ranged from − 8.1 to 4.5‰. It can be concluded that the temperatures in this area are not yet high enough to produce a noticeable change in photosynthesis as evidenced by the carbon content of orchids, however, the expected rise would bring harmful consequences for these populations of orchids, especially when considering that these orchids were collected at the highest altitudinal range of the region. Moreover, the rates of nitrogen deposition are not high enough yet to leave a significant signal in the vegetation.
2018
Díaz-Álvarez, E. A.; de la Barrera, E.
Characterization of nitrogen deposition in a megalopolis by means of atmospheric biomonitors Journal Article
In: Scientific Reports, vol. 8, pp. 13569, 2018.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: biomonitors, epiphytes, Mexico, mosses, nitrogen, pollution, stable isotopes, Tillandsia, urban ecology
@article{Díaz-Álvarez2018b,
title = {Characterization of nitrogen deposition in a megalopolis by means of atmospheric biomonitors},
author = {E. A. Díaz-Álvarez and E. de la Barrera },
url = {https://rdcu.be/6jWU},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-018-32000-5},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-09-11},
journal = {Scientific Reports},
volume = {8},
pages = {13569},
abstract = {An increase of nitrogen deposition resulting from human activities is not only a major threat for global biodiversity, but also for human health, especially in highly populated regions. It is thus important and in some instances legally mandated to monitor reactive nitrogen species in the atmosphere. The utilization of widely distributed biological species suitable for biomonitoring may be a good alternative. We assessed the suitability of an ensemble of atmospheric biomonitors of nitrogen deposition by means of an extensive sampling of a lichen, two mosses, and a bromeliad throughout the Valley of Mexico, whose population reaches 30 million, and subsequent measurements of nitrogen metabolism parameters. In all cases we found significant responses of nitrogen content, C:N ratio and the δ15N to season and site. In turn, the δ15N for the mosses responded linearly to the wet deposition. Also, the nitrogen content (R2 = 0.7), the C:N ratio (R2 = 0.6), and δ15N (R2 = 0.5) for the bromeliad had a linear response to NOx. However, the bromeliad was not found in sites with NOx concentrations exceeding 80 ppb, apparently of as a consequence of exceeding nitrogen. These biomonitors can be utilized in tandem to determine the status of atmospheric nitrogenous pollution in regions without monitoring networks for avoiding health problems for ecosystems and humans.},
keywords = {biomonitors, epiphytes, Mexico, mosses, nitrogen, pollution, stable isotopes, Tillandsia, urban ecology},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
An increase of nitrogen deposition resulting from human activities is not only a major threat for global biodiversity, but also for human health, especially in highly populated regions. It is thus important and in some instances legally mandated to monitor reactive nitrogen species in the atmosphere. The utilization of widely distributed biological species suitable for biomonitoring may be a good alternative. We assessed the suitability of an ensemble of atmospheric biomonitors of nitrogen deposition by means of an extensive sampling of a lichen, two mosses, and a bromeliad throughout the Valley of Mexico, whose population reaches 30 million, and subsequent measurements of nitrogen metabolism parameters. In all cases we found significant responses of nitrogen content, C:N ratio and the δ15N to season and site. In turn, the δ15N for the mosses responded linearly to the wet deposition. Also, the nitrogen content (R2 = 0.7), the C:N ratio (R2 = 0.6), and δ15N (R2 = 0.5) for the bromeliad had a linear response to NOx. However, the bromeliad was not found in sites with NOx concentrations exceeding 80 ppb, apparently of as a consequence of exceeding nitrogen. These biomonitors can be utilized in tandem to determine the status of atmospheric nitrogenous pollution in regions without monitoring networks for avoiding health problems for ecosystems and humans.
Díaz-Álvarez, E. A.; Lindig-Cisneros, R.; de la Barrera, E.
Biomonitors of atmospheric nitrogen deposition: potential uses and limitations Journal Article
In: Conservation Physiology, vol. 6, pp. coy011, 2018.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: biomonitors, ecosystem saturation, epiphytes, nitrogen, pollution, stable isotopes, urban ecology
@article{Díaz-Álvarez2018,
title = {Biomonitors of atmospheric nitrogen deposition: potential uses and limitations},
author = {E. A. Díaz-Álvarez and R. Lindig-Cisneros and E. de la Barrera },
doi = {10.1093/conphys/coy011},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-03-13},
journal = {Conservation Physiology},
volume = {6},
pages = {coy011},
abstract = {Atmospheric nitrogen deposition is the third largest cause of global biodiversity loss, with rates that have more than doubled over the past century. This is especially threatening for tropical regions where the deposition may soon exceed 25 kg of N ha–1 year–1, well above the threshold for physiological damage of 12-20 kg of N ha–1 year–1, depending on plant species and nitrogenous compound. It is thus urgent to monitor these regions where the most diverse biotas occur. However, most studies have been conducted in Europe, the USA, and recently in China. This review presents the case for the potential use of biological organisms to monitor nitrogen deposition, with emphasis on tropical plants. We first present an overview of atmospheric chemistry and the nitrogen metabolism of potential biomonitors, followed by a framework for monitoring nitrogen deposition based on the simultaneous use of various functional groups. In particular, the tissue nitrogen content responds to the rate of deposition, especially for mosses, whose nitrogen content increases by 1% per kilogram of N ha-1 year-1. The isotopic signature, δ15N, is a useful indicator of the nitrogen source, as the slightly negative values (e.g., 5‰) of plants from natural environments can become very negative (–11.2‰) in sites with agricultural and husbandry activities, but very positive (13.3‰) in urban environments with high vehicular activity. Mosses are good biomonitors for wet deposition and atmospheric epiphytes for dry deposition. In turn, the nitrogen saturation of ecosystems can be monitored with trees whose isotopic values increase with saturation. Although given ecophysiological limitations of different organisms, particular studies should be conducted in each area of interest to determine the most suitable biomonitors. Overall, biomonitors can provide an integrative approach for characterizing nitrogen deposition in regions where the deployment of automated instruments or passive monitoring is not feasible or can be complementary.
},
keywords = {biomonitors, ecosystem saturation, epiphytes, nitrogen, pollution, stable isotopes, urban ecology},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Atmospheric nitrogen deposition is the third largest cause of global biodiversity loss, with rates that have more than doubled over the past century. This is especially threatening for tropical regions where the deposition may soon exceed 25 kg of N ha–1 year–1, well above the threshold for physiological damage of 12-20 kg of N ha–1 year–1, depending on plant species and nitrogenous compound. It is thus urgent to monitor these regions where the most diverse biotas occur. However, most studies have been conducted in Europe, the USA, and recently in China. This review presents the case for the potential use of biological organisms to monitor nitrogen deposition, with emphasis on tropical plants. We first present an overview of atmospheric chemistry and the nitrogen metabolism of potential biomonitors, followed by a framework for monitoring nitrogen deposition based on the simultaneous use of various functional groups. In particular, the tissue nitrogen content responds to the rate of deposition, especially for mosses, whose nitrogen content increases by 1% per kilogram of N ha-1 year-1. The isotopic signature, δ15N, is a useful indicator of the nitrogen source, as the slightly negative values (e.g., 5‰) of plants from natural environments can become very negative (–11.2‰) in sites with agricultural and husbandry activities, but very positive (13.3‰) in urban environments with high vehicular activity. Mosses are good biomonitors for wet deposition and atmospheric epiphytes for dry deposition. In turn, the nitrogen saturation of ecosystems can be monitored with trees whose isotopic values increase with saturation. Although given ecophysiological limitations of different organisms, particular studies should be conducted in each area of interest to determine the most suitable biomonitors. Overall, biomonitors can provide an integrative approach for characterizing nitrogen deposition in regions where the deployment of automated instruments or passive monitoring is not feasible or can be complementary.
2016
Díaz-Álvarez, E. A.; Reyes-García, C.; de la Barrera, E.
A δ15N assessment of nitrogen deposition for the endangered epiphytic orchid Laelia speciosa from a city and an oak forest in Mexico Journal Article
In: Journal of Plant Research, vol. 129, pp. 863–872, 2016.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: conservation physiology, global change, moss, Neo-volcanic axis, nitrogen, orchid, pollution, stable isotopes, urban ecology
@article{Díaz-Álvarez2016b,
title = {A δ15N assessment of nitrogen deposition for the endangered epiphytic orchid Laelia speciosa from a city and an oak forest in Mexico},
author = {E. A. Díaz-Álvarez and C. Reyes-García and E. de la Barrera },
url = {http://rdcu.be/npd1
http://agro.mx/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/039-Diaz-Alvarez-laelia-rv3.pdf
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10265-016-0843-y},
doi = {10.1007/s10265-016-0843-y},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-06-09},
journal = {Journal of Plant Research},
volume = {129},
pages = {863–872},
abstract = {Atmospheric nitrogen deposition poses a major threat to global biodiversity. Tropical epiphytic plants are especially at risk given their reliance on atmospheric sources of nutrients. The leaf, pseudobulb, and root carbon and nitrogen content, C:N ratio, as well as the nitrogen isotopic composition were studied for individuals of Laelia speciosa from a city and from an oak forest in Mexico. The nitrogen content of leaves was similar between the city and the oak forest, reaching 1.3 ± 0.2 % (dry mass). The δ15N of leaves, pseudobulbs, and roots reached 5.6 ± 0.2 ‰ in the city, values found in sites exposed to industrial and vehicular activities. The δ15N for plant from the oak forest amounted to –3.1 ± 0.3 ‰, which is similar to values measured from sites with low industrial activities. Some orchids such as Laelia speciosa produce a single pseudobulb per year, i.e., a water and nutrient storage organ, so the interannual nitrogen deposition was studied by considering the ten most recent pseudobulbs for plants from either site formed between 2003 and 2012. The C:N ratio of the ten most recent pseudobulbs from the oak forest, as well as that of the pseudobulbs formed before 2010 for plants in the city were indistinguishable from each other, averaging 132.4 ± 6.5, while it was lower for the two most recent pseudobulbs in the city. The δ15N values of pseudobulbs from the oak forest averaged ‒4.4 ± 0.1 ‰ for the entire series. The δ15N ranged from 0.1 ± 1.6 ‰ for the oldest pseudobulb to 4.7 ± 0.2 ‰ for the pseudobulb formed in the city from 2008 onwards. Isotopic analysis and the C:N ratio for L. speciosa revealed that rates of nitrogen deposition were higher in the city than in the forest. The δ15N values of series of pseudobulbs showed that it is possible to track nitrogen deposition over multiple years.},
keywords = {conservation physiology, global change, moss, Neo-volcanic axis, nitrogen, orchid, pollution, stable isotopes, urban ecology},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Atmospheric nitrogen deposition poses a major threat to global biodiversity. Tropical epiphytic plants are especially at risk given their reliance on atmospheric sources of nutrients. The leaf, pseudobulb, and root carbon and nitrogen content, C:N ratio, as well as the nitrogen isotopic composition were studied for individuals of Laelia speciosa from a city and from an oak forest in Mexico. The nitrogen content of leaves was similar between the city and the oak forest, reaching 1.3 ± 0.2 % (dry mass). The δ15N of leaves, pseudobulbs, and roots reached 5.6 ± 0.2 ‰ in the city, values found in sites exposed to industrial and vehicular activities. The δ15N for plant from the oak forest amounted to –3.1 ± 0.3 ‰, which is similar to values measured from sites with low industrial activities. Some orchids such as Laelia speciosa produce a single pseudobulb per year, i.e., a water and nutrient storage organ, so the interannual nitrogen deposition was studied by considering the ten most recent pseudobulbs for plants from either site formed between 2003 and 2012. The C:N ratio of the ten most recent pseudobulbs from the oak forest, as well as that of the pseudobulbs formed before 2010 for plants in the city were indistinguishable from each other, averaging 132.4 ± 6.5, while it was lower for the two most recent pseudobulbs in the city. The δ15N values of pseudobulbs from the oak forest averaged ‒4.4 ± 0.1 ‰ for the entire series. The δ15N ranged from 0.1 ± 1.6 ‰ for the oldest pseudobulb to 4.7 ± 0.2 ‰ for the pseudobulb formed in the city from 2008 onwards. Isotopic analysis and the C:N ratio for L. speciosa revealed that rates of nitrogen deposition were higher in the city than in the forest. The δ15N values of series of pseudobulbs showed that it is possible to track nitrogen deposition over multiple years.
2015
Díaz-Álvarez, E. A.; Lindig-Cisneros, R.; de la Barrera, E.
Responses to simulated nitrogen deposition by the neotropical epiphytic orchid Laelia speciosa Journal Article
In: PeerJ, vol. 3, pp. e1021, 2015.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: acid rain, biodiversity, CAM, conservation physiology, d15N, global change, Laelia, neotropical, nitrogen, orchid, plant nutrition, pollution, stable isotopes
@article{Díaz-Álvarez2015,
title = {Responses to simulated nitrogen deposition by the neotropical epiphytic orchid Laelia speciosa},
author = {E. A. Díaz-Álvarez and R. Lindig-Cisneros and E. de la Barrera},
url = {https://peerj.com/articles/1021/
http://agro.mx/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/031-Díaz-Alvarez-et-al-2015-PeerJ-Laelia.pdf},
doi = {10.7717/peerj.1021},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-06-18},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {3},
pages = {e1021},
abstract = {Potential ecophysiological responses to nitrogen deposition, which is considered to be one of the leading causes for global biodiversity loss, were studied for the endangered endemic Mexican epiphytic orchid, Laelia speciosa, via a shadehouse dose-response experiment (doses were 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 kg N ha-1 yr-1) in order to assess the potential risk facing this orchid given impending scenarios of nitrogen deposition. Lower doses of nitrogen of up to 20 kg N ha yr–1, the dose that led to optimal plant performance, acted as fertilizer. For instance, the production of leaves and pseudobulbs were respectively 35% and 36% greater for plants receiving 20 kg N ha yr–1 than under any other dose. Also, the chlorophyll content and quantum yield peaked at 0.66 ± 0.03 g m-2 and 0.85 ± 0.01, respectively, for plants growing under the optimum dose. In contrast, toxic effects were observed at the higher doses of 40 and 80 kg N ha yr–1. The δ13C for leaves averaged –14.7 ± 0.2‰ regardless of the nitrogen dose. In turn, δ15N decreased as the nitrogen dose increased from 0.9 ±0.1‰ under 2.5 kg N ha-1 yr-1 to – 3.1 ± 0.2 ‰ under 80 kg N ha-1 yr-1, indicating that orchids preferentially assimilate NH4+ rather than NO3– of the solution under higher doses of nitrogen. Laelia speciosa showed a clear response to inputs of nitrogen, thus, increasing rates of atmospheric nitrogen deposition can pose an important threat for this species.},
keywords = {acid rain, biodiversity, CAM, conservation physiology, d15N, global change, Laelia, neotropical, nitrogen, orchid, plant nutrition, pollution, stable isotopes},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Potential ecophysiological responses to nitrogen deposition, which is considered to be one of the leading causes for global biodiversity loss, were studied for the endangered endemic Mexican epiphytic orchid, Laelia speciosa, via a shadehouse dose-response experiment (doses were 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 kg N ha-1 yr-1) in order to assess the potential risk facing this orchid given impending scenarios of nitrogen deposition. Lower doses of nitrogen of up to 20 kg N ha yr–1, the dose that led to optimal plant performance, acted as fertilizer. For instance, the production of leaves and pseudobulbs were respectively 35% and 36% greater for plants receiving 20 kg N ha yr–1 than under any other dose. Also, the chlorophyll content and quantum yield peaked at 0.66 ± 0.03 g m-2 and 0.85 ± 0.01, respectively, for plants growing under the optimum dose. In contrast, toxic effects were observed at the higher doses of 40 and 80 kg N ha yr–1. The δ13C for leaves averaged –14.7 ± 0.2‰ regardless of the nitrogen dose. In turn, δ15N decreased as the nitrogen dose increased from 0.9 ±0.1‰ under 2.5 kg N ha-1 yr-1 to – 3.1 ± 0.2 ‰ under 80 kg N ha-1 yr-1, indicating that orchids preferentially assimilate NH4+ rather than NO3– of the solution under higher doses of nitrogen. Laelia speciosa showed a clear response to inputs of nitrogen, thus, increasing rates of atmospheric nitrogen deposition can pose an important threat for this species.
2007
Andrade, J. L.; de la Barrera, E.; Reyes-García, C.; Ricalde, M. F.; Vargas-Soto, G.; Cervera, J. C.
El metabolismo ácido de las crasuláceas: diversidad, fisiología ambiental, y productividad Journal Article
In: Boletín de la Sociedad Botánica de México, vol. 81, pp. 37-50, 2007.
Links | BibTeX | Tags: agriculture, CAM, ecophysiology, environmental indicators, environmental productivity index, epiphytes, microenvironment, plasticity, stable isotopes
@article{Andrade2007,
title = {El metabolismo ácido de las crasuláceas: diversidad, fisiología ambiental, y productividad},
author = {J. L. Andrade and E. de la Barrera and C. Reyes-García and M. F. Ricalde and G. Vargas-Soto and J. C. Cervera},
url = {http://www.ibiologia.unam.mx/sociedad/www/pdf/BSBM%2082/Boletines%20publicados/Numero%2081/Sobretiro%20PWD%20BSBM81/Andrade%20et%20al%202007%20%28BSBM81%2037-50%29.pdf},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-02-02},
journal = {Boletín de la Sociedad Botánica de México},
volume = {81},
pages = {37-50},
keywords = {agriculture, CAM, ecophysiology, environmental indicators, environmental productivity index, epiphytes, microenvironment, plasticity, stable isotopes},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
2005
de la Barrera, E.; Andrade, J. L.
Challenges to plant megadiversity: how environmental physiology can help Journal Article
In: New Phytologist, vol. 167, pp. 5-8, 2005.
Links | BibTeX | Tags: acclimation, agriculture, cactus, climate change, conservation, ecophysiology, legume, nitrogen, plant diversity, public policy, seed, stable isotopes, tropical forest
@article{delaBarrera2005b,
title = {Challenges to plant megadiversity: how environmental physiology can help},
author = {E. de la Barrera and J. L. Andrade},
url = {http://agro.mx/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/012-De-la-Barrera-Andrade-2005-New-Phytol.pdf},
year = {2005},
date = {2005-05-01},
journal = {New Phytologist},
volume = {167},
pages = {5-8},
keywords = {acclimation, agriculture, cactus, climate change, conservation, ecophysiology, legume, nitrogen, plant diversity, public policy, seed, stable isotopes, tropical forest},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}