Effects of air pollution on gas exchanges of young individuals of Tibouchina pulchra Cogn (Melastomataceae), in the region of Cubatão, São Paulo (SP)

Abstract

In Cubatão (SP) high levels have been observed of pollutants such as HF, SO2 and NOx and the vegetation of the Atlantic Rainforest that surrounds it displays clear signs of degradation. This project aims to verify the impact of air pollution on gaseous exchanges of CO2 in regions of Cubatão that are different in terms of type and level of pollution. Seedlings of Tibouchina pulchra cultivated under standardized conditions will be exposed to the atmosphere in these areas and, after six and 12 months, will be quantified: assimilation of carbon, stomatic conductance, chlorophyll and ascorbic acid content, HF, macronutrients and parameters of growth, aimed at a better understanding of the state of the plant under stress caused by air pollution. (AU)