Quantitative TLC determination of chlorophylls in spruce needles under mild pollution conditions

The quantitative determination of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b was by densitometric scanning using cellulose layers. The chlorophyll content of plants ofPicea abies stressed with an anionic detergent was compared with that of a control group. After two years of treatment the chlorophyll content had decreased without the appearance of any visible injury. TLC provides a rapid and simple method for monitoring vegetation damage.