scope:

Introduction

The effects of air pollutants can be measured and evaluated using organisms, so-called bioindicators. The biological measuring procedures necessary for this are standardised in the form of the VDI guidelines for bioindication. At present the control of air pollutants is based on the assessment of emissions, pollution and effects. The essential basics of these effects assessments are described in the guideline VDI 3957 Part 1 "Biological monitoring techniques for the determination and evaluation of the effects of air pollution on plants (bioindication); Fundamentals and aims" (1999). To understand the bioindication procedures presented here it is necessary that the content of this guideline is known.