Biometric sample characterization Part I: The influence of the infestation with insects to element concentrations in spruce needles

The standardization of sampling procedures is one of the most important prerequisites for getting reproducible results in biomonitoring. Nevertheless, it is not possible to sample specimens of a single species which are fully comparable because of the high temporal dynamic of ecosystems causing inherent variability of each specimen type. Biometric sample characterization may describe in detail this unique state of samples. It is a very important tool for the correct assessment of environmental pollution. The sampling operating procedures of the German Environmental Specimen Banking Programme include a list of suitable biometric parameters for each specimen type that fulfill this function. This will be shown by two examples. Part I of this publication demonstrates the influence of infestation with insects to needles of spruce [Picea abies] on concentrations of elements and Part II the relation between the size of needles and concentrations of airborne pollutants.