TREE RINGS AS ARCHIVES OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION BY FOSSIL CARBON DIOXIDE IN BRATISLAVA

Results of radiocarbon (C-14) analysis of a tree-ring series from Bratislava, Slovakia, covering the period from 1970 to 2004 are presented. For a part of this time period, monthly C-14 measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide from Bratislava sampling station are compared with the tree-ring results. The effects of fossil CO2 emissions on C-14 levels in the environment are emphasized by comparison with atmospheric clean air reference values (Schauinsland, Germany). The presented results from Bratislava are also set against the previously measured tree-ring series from Low Tatras mountain region in Slovakia, representing regional clean air radiocarbon levels in the biosphere. The observed C-14 levels of Bratislava tree rings and atmospheric CO2 in 1970s and 1980s are significantly lower than clean air data, indicating severe fossil CO2 pollution in Bratislava during this time period.

Automated summary

The results of C-14 analysis of tree-ring series from Bratislava show severe fossil CO2 pollution in this region during the 1970s and 1980s.