Relationship between Sulfur Content in Plants and Atmospherie SO2 Concentration in Nanjing City and Its Application in Assessment of Air Pollution
城市植物叶片含硫量与大气SO2污染关系及其在污染状况评价中的应用

Plane tree (Platanus orientalis) and glossy priver were chosen to monitor SO2 pollution in 29 sites selected from 14 locations in general air polluted areas and 15 locations in heavy industrial polluted areas in Nanjing city. The leaves of the plants and air samples in the sites were collected and analyzed for sulfur. Analytical results show that sulfur contents in the leaves of plants were closely related to SO2 concentrations in the air. It is concluded that under general air pollution, linear regression function can be used to properly estimate SO2 concentrations in the air and to assess air pollution level. However under conditions of serious or very serious air pollution, exponential regression function can be used in the proper estimation of SO2 concentrations in the air and assessment of air pollution level.