Blanka Mankovska

Distribution of ozone and other air pollutants in forests of the Carpathian Mountains in central Europe

Ozone (O3) concentrations were monitored during the 1997-1999 growing seasons in 32 forest sites of the Carpathian Mountains. At all sites (elevation between 450 and 1320 m) concentrations of O3, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) were measured with passive samplers. In addition, in two western Carpathian locations, Vychodna and Gubalówka, ozone was continuously monitored with ultraviolet (UV) absorption monitors. Highest average hourly O3 concentrations in the Vychodna and Gubałówka sites reached 160 and 200 microg/m3 (82 and 102 ppb), respectively (except for the AOT40 values, ozone concentrations are presented as microg/m3; and at 25 degrees C and 760 mm Hg, 1 microg O3/m3 = 0.51 ppb O3). These sites showed drastically different patterns of diurnal 03 distribution, one with clearly defined peaks in the afternoon and lowest values in the morning, the other with flat patterns during the entire 24-h period. On two elevational transects, no effect of elevation on O3 levels was seen on the first one, while on the other a significant increase of O3 levels with elevation occurred. Concentrations of O3 determined with passive samplers were significantly different between individual monitoring years, monitoring periods, and geographic location of the monitoring sites. Results of passive sampler monitoring showed that high O3 concentrations could be expected in many parts of the Carpathian range, especially in its western part, but also in the eastern and southern ranges. More than four-fold denser network of monitoring sites is required for reliable estimates of O3 distribution in forests over the entire Carpathian range (140 points). Potential phytotoxic effects of O3 on forest trees and understory vegetation are expected on almost the entire territory of the Carpathian Mountains. This assumption is based on estimates of the AOT40 indices for forest trees and natural vegetation. Concentrations of NO2 and SO2 in the entire Carpathian range were typical for this part of Europe and below the expected levels of phytotoxicity.

New international long-term ecological research on air pollution effects on the Carpathian Mountain forests, Central Europe

An international cooperative project on distribution of ozone in the Carpathian Mountains, Central Europe was conducted from 1997 to 1999. Results of that project indicated that in large parts of the Carpathian Mountains, concentrations of ozone were elevated and potentially phytotoxic to forest vegetation. That study led to the establishment of new long-term studies on ecological changes in forests and other ecosystems caused by air pollution in the Retezat Mountains, Southern Carpathians, Romania and in the Tatra Mountains, Western Carpathians on the Polish-Slovak border. Both of these important mountain ranges have the status of national parks and are Man & the Biosphere Reserves. In the Retezat Mountains, the primary research objective was to evaluate how air pollution may affect forest health and biodiversity. The main research objective in the Tatra Mountains was to evaluate responses of natural and managed Norway spruce forests to air pollution and other stresses. Ambient concentrations of ozone (O(3)), sulfur dioxide (SO(2)), nitrogen oxides (NO(x)) as well as forest health and biodiversity changes were monitored on densely distributed research sites. Initial monitoring of pollutants indicated low levels of O(3), SO(2), and NO(x) in the Retezat Mountains, while elevated levels of O(3) and high deposition of atmospheric sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) have characterized the Tatra Mountains. In the Retezat Mountains, air pollution seems to have little effect on forest health; however, there was concern that over a long time, even low levels of pollution may affect biodiversity of this important ecosystem. In contrast, severe decline of Norway spruce has been observed in the Tatra Mountains. Although bark beetle seems to be the immediate cause of that decline, long-term elevated levels of atmospheric N and S depositions and elevated O(3) could predispose trees to insect attacks and other stresses. European and US scientists studied pollution deposition, soil and plant chemistry, O(3)-sensitive plant species, forest insects, and genetic changes in the Retezat and Tatra Mountains. Results of these investigations are presented in a GIS format to allow for a better understanding of the changes and the recommendations for effective management in these two areas.

Significance of concentrations of lead, cadmium, and iron in the plumage of the feral pigeon

Lead, cadmium, and iron contamination was examined in the plumage of feral pigeons. Metal contamination in pigeons from different regions in Bratislava or in different seasons did not differ significantly; seasonal type of food did not significantly influence the concentrations. The blood of birds was examined for the presence of complement fixing antibodies toChlamydia psittaci. Birds with antibodies did not contain significantly higher metal concentrations in the plumage than birds without antibodies. Juveniles contained significantly lower lead burdens than adults. Plumage lead concentrations increased with age of nestlings. Females and males did not differ significantly. Melanic juveniles possessed significantly lower levels of cadmium than “wild” types. Adults with body weight, head length or wing length above the average exhibited higher plumage cadmium concentrations than the birds with undersized body weight, head length or wing length.

Ozone affects leaf surface–pest interactions

Abstract Tropospheric ozone (O3) levels are increasing around the world and damaging concentrations now occur in 25% of the world forests. This study was conducted at an open air CO2 and O3 exposure (Aspen FACE) facility in northern Wisconsin. Here, we present evidence for a link between long-term, low-level O3 exposure and alterations in trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) epicuticular waxes resulting in consequential changes to leaf surface properties. In turn, these changes have resulted in increased incidence of natural infection by the aspen leaf rust (Melampsora medusae Thuem. f. sp. tremuloidae). These results have been consistent over 3 years varying in natural rust occurrence on three trembling aspen clones differing in O3 sensitivity. The presence of elevated CO2 did not alleviate the O3 effects.

Genetic implications for forest trees of increasing levels of greenhouse gases and UV-B radiation

Globally, the environment is changing and deteriorating as greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and tropospheric ozone (O3) continue to increase at a rate of about 1% per year (Keeling et al. 1995, Chameides et al. 1995). The increase in these gases is directly related to anthropogenic activities (Chameides et al. 1995, Mooney et al. 1991) and is likely inducing subtle but substantial changes in the earth’s surface temperatures and weather (Cha 1997; Martin 1996). In addition, anthropogenic activities have been linked to decreasing levels of stratospheric 03 and concomitant increases in ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) passing through to the earth’s surface. Thus, man is creating a constantly changing global environment for which tree breeders must attempt to develop genotypes and races suitable for future forests. The purpose of this paper is to examine the genetic implications for forest trees of increasing greenhouse gases and UV-B and to suggest where tree breeders need to be concerned about the changing environment. Since very little is known about the impact of greenhouse gases and/or UV-B on genetic population structure, we will not discuss population structure or the effects of selection on population structure.