Industrial air pollution and peroxidase activity in Scots pine needles – two case studies

The peroxidase activity (EC 1.11.1.7) in homogenates from Scots pine needles (Pinus sylvestries L.) were studied in relation to needle age and sampling locations around two different sources of industrial air pollution. Increased enzyme activity was associated with both increased needle age and proximity to the emission sources. Fluorine contamination in one of the cases was not correlated with enhanced enzyme activity. Enzyme activity levels were considered in relation to variations between trees and between different parts of the same trees.