Distribution of thallium and accompanying metals in tree rings of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) from a smelter-affected area

Distribution of TI, Zn, Cd, Pb, K, Ca, Mg and Mn and Pb isotopic composition in tree rings of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L) from an area affected by primary Zn smelting (Olkusz, southern Poland) were investigated. Elevated concentrations of TI (up to 0.8 mg kg(-1)) in pine trees imply that conifers tend to accumulate this metal to some extent. A generally positive relationship between soil and tree-ring TI levels was identified. The TI patterns in stem wood did not correspond to changes in TI deposition; the lateral translocation of TI in the sapwood and its accumulation at the sapwood-heartwood boundary (i.e., in the inner sapwood) is suggested. It is probable that the specific behavior of TI in trees results from its biogeochemical analogy with K. In contrast, tree-ring patterns of Zn and Cd significantly correlated with their deposition; nevertheless, a partial shift of these metals towards the stem center cannot be excluded. The isotopic composition of Pb ((206)pb/(207)pb similar to 1.172-1.184) in trees and underlying soils revealed the predominant influence of smelter emissions ((206)pb/(207)Pb similar to 1.17) on Pb contamination. Analysis of main nutrients (Ca, Mg and Mn) in wood reflected environmental changes related to acid deposition. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.