Challenges in the Application of Dendrochemistry in Research on Historical Environmental Pollution in an Old Copper Mining Area

Abstract

This research investigates the long-term environmental impact and historical temporal pollution patterns caused by a former copper mine in Iwiny (south-western Poland) using a dendrochemical approach. An additional aspect of this research was considering the possibility of using the inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) measurement technique as a cheaper alternative to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in dendrochemical analyses conducted in copper mining areas. In the study area, a tailings storage facility (TSF) dam failure (1967) took place and the alkaline flotation waste containing high concentration of Cu and Pb are stored. Tree cores from pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) were analysed for the content of 11 trace elements (TEs) (Cd, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cr, Co, Pb, Cu, Fe, Al, Ag) using the ICP-OES technique, while tree rings’ widths (TRWs) were also measured. Samples that were most significant in the context of the research goals were verified with the ICP-MS method. The results revealed the strong long-term impact of the copper industry as reflected in a substantial increase in the mean contents of: (1) Mn, Ni, Zn, Cr, Pb, Cu and Fe in industrial vs. control trees, (2) TRWs for control vs. industrial trees. However, the observed patterns of TEs and TRWs did not correspond to the known timing of pollution inputs (mining activity, tailings spill). Peak levels were observed for Zn and Fe after the mine was closed. The lack of new sources of pollution and the temporal relationship strongly suggests that the tree rings recorded the chemical signal of the TSF reclamation (the use of fertilizers and agrotechnical interventions). Patterns of 7 elements were detected in most of the samples by ICP-OES (Co and Cd were not detected, Al and Ag were partly detected), while ICP-MS detected all of the elements. Significant differences were obtained for Ag, Cd, and Co. Despite challenges with the application of dendrochemistry in research on old mining areas (e.g., lack of old trees), it has proved to be a useful tool for investigating the aggregate environmental impact.

Impact of Wood Ash and Sewage Sludge on Elemental Content in Hybrid Alder Clone

“…Moreover, besides LA-ICP-MS, other LA techniques such as laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (LA-ICP-OES) have also been used for the analysis of tree rings. It was also found that the LA-ICP-OES analysis of tree rings could provide a record of lead (Pb) pollution in a highly industrialized region [47].…”

Analysis of Trace Elements in Tree Rings of Pines Growing Nearby Steelwork in Southern Poland during the Industrial and Post-Industrial Periods

“…The rapid and significant development of industry and urban agglomerations in the last century caused significant changes in the natural environment and a modified biogeochemical cycle of trace elements in the biosphere. Trees have been used as bioindicators, as their physiological processes and growth are affected by environmental factors [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. Over the years, dendrochronological monitoring has been successfully used to monitor the development of different types of industrial production.…”

“…Based on the elemental and isotopic composition of plant tissue, it is possible to analyze the cumulative impact of different types of environmental pressures, including air contaminants emitted from different sources, as well as soil and water contamination, e.g., [4][5][6][7][8][11][12][13][14][15]. Most heavy metals are emitted from various industrial activities (e.g., refining of metals, waste burning, burning of coal and wood, burning of coal and oil, mining, metal manufacturing, metal smelting, waste banning, and cement production), private households, households, and motor vehicles.…”