Determination of chlorophyll and carotenoid content in Mediterranean riparian forest species using visible spectroscopy
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Leaf-level optical measurements are essential for monitoring Mediterranean riparian forests. This study used visible spectroscopy (400-750 nm) to determine and quantify leaf pigments in five species: Salix salviifolia, Fraxinus angustifolia, Alnus glutinosa, Populus nigra, and Prunus avium. We followed Hansmann's method for sample processing and quantified chlorophyll using Arnon's equation. We collected samples from sun-exposed leaves in spring under standardized conditions. Results indicated that Alnus glutinosa and Populus nigra exhibited the highest chlorophyll a concentrations [1.35 and 1.29 mg g-1 (FM)], followed by Fraxinus angustifolia [1.17 mg g-1(FM)], Salix salviifolia [0.61 mg g-1(FM)], and Prunus avium [0.25 mg g-1(FM)]. The chlorophyll a/b ratio exceeded 2.0 in most species, peaking in Salix salviifolia (2.90). These findings reveal significant functional differences in pigment composition, confirming the utility of this method for monitoring the physiological status of the vegetation in the Manzanares River, Spain.
Source: Photosynthetica
DOI: 10.32615/ps.2026.033
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,140
OpenAlex ID: W7221584528