Effects of complex air pollution on tree species of the Atlantic Rain Forest near Cubatão, Brazil

The industrial complex of Cubatão, SE-Brazil, is presented as a typical example of the increasing environmental problems of developing and threshold countries. As a consequence of high air pollutant emissions the Atlantic Rain Forest shows severe decline symptoms. Studies with native tree species including field investigations in the stand and exposure experiments with young trees revealed an accumulation of toxic elements like fluoride and sulphur in the leaves, alterations of mineral economy, metabolic changes typical for stress situations and modifications of growth characteristics. These findings are discussed with respect to the vegetation risk by air pollution.