Development of the leaf blades of Acer platanoides in industrially contaminated environment

Leaf blades of Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.), growing in heavily polluted industrial area have been studied for anatomical changes developed under the influence of the industrial contamination (with SO2, NxOx, Pb, As). The aim of the examination was to reveal the dynamics in the development of leaf blades and to trace the impact of the contaminated air on the leaf structure of Norway maple. The conducted study registered acceleration of the vegetative growth of the leaf blades that is manifested through approximately two weeks earlier appearance of leaves on the tree, faster linear growth and strengthened the xeromorphic traits in the leaf structure of the tree plants from the contaminated region. The observed changes are regarded as adaptation of the plant to the polluted environment, i.e. as tolerance.