Accumulation and fate of C₁/C₂-chlorocarbons and trichloroacetic acid in spruce needles from an Austrian mountain site

The concentrations of volatile chlorocarbons (VCH) as well as one of their main degradation products, the trichloroacetic acid (TCA) were measured in spruce needles (Picea abies) harvested in October 1991 and March 1992 from the Christlum-profile (Achenkirch, Austria). While in March 1992 the VCH were in the same range with concentrations of pine needles from the urban area of Berlin, TCA accumulation was significantly lower in Achenkirch. As observed for Pinus sylvestris during this season, the VCH contents often decreased with needle age whereas TCA increased. In the profile, maximum VCH concentrations in the spruce needles were measured at 1050 m above sea level. At the same time (March 1992), the detoxification enzyme for VCH, the glutathione S-transferase (GST), had its lowest activity, except for the oldest needles, in the altitude of 1050 m. VCH and TCA concentrations seem to be intercorrelated with GST activities in the needles; but statistical testing has to be performed with larger sample numbers.