Records of Anthropogenic Pollution in Silesia Captured in Scots Pine Tree Rings: Analysis by Radiocarbon, Stable Isotopes, and Basal Area Increment Analysis

The objective of this study was to analyze tree response to environmental pollution using basal area increment (BAI) tree ring stable isotopes and radiocarbon. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) was assessed from three fresh mixed coniferous forest habitat sites within highly urbanized and populated areas of Silesia subject to high levels of atmospheric pollution and were compared with trees from a site in Silesia where atmospheric emissions were comparatively low. The combined analysis of tree ring width and isotopic data allowed the identification of tree adaptation to environmental pollutants. Changes in BAI revealed a clear long-term decrease in wood increment from 1960 to 1980. We also observed depletion rates of carbon isotopes (C-14 and delta C-13) and increased water use efficiency related to atmospheric CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion.

Automated summary

This study analyzed tree response to environmental pollution and found that Scots pine trees in highly polluted areas showed stronger adaptation to environmental pollutants. There was a clear long-term decrease in wood increment from 1960 to 1980. Additionally, the analysis of isotopic data revealed carbon isotope depletion and increased water use efficiency associated with atmospheric CO2 emissions.