Sources of errors in assessing ozone visible symptoms on native vegetation

Environ Pollut. 2006 Mar;140(2):257-68. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2005.07.012. Epub 2005 Sep 15.

Abstract

This paper aims to identify the problems regarding the evaluation of ozone (and ozone-like) symptoms, by examining the results of the 4th UN/ECE ICP-Forests Intercalibration Course for the assessment of ozone-induced visible symptoms. Trees, shrubs and herbaceous species were evaluated in a tree nursery, at Lattecaldo (Switzerland) and under open field conditions at Moggio (Italy). The main findings were: (i) the most expert surveyors tended to be grouped in the same cluster and, during the field exercises, they tended to assess in a more conservative manner compared to the less trained participants; (ii) the agreement was greater in assessing the absence rather than the presence of symptoms; (iii) typical interveinal stippling on the upper leaf surface was more accurately evaluated than discoloration; (iv) uncertainties resulted mainly for species which showed greater variability in their symptom manifestation, and for certain herbaceous species.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ecosystem
  • Environment
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • Observer Variation
  • Oxidants, Photochemical / toxicity*
  • Ozone / toxicity*
  • Phenotype
  • Plant Diseases / chemically induced
  • Plant Leaves / drug effects
  • Plants / drug effects*
  • Professional Competence
  • Quality Control
  • Seasons
  • Trees / drug effects

Substances

  • Oxidants, Photochemical
  • Ozone