Tree-ring characterization of Araucaria columnaris Hook and its applicability as a lead indicator in environmental monitoring |
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Authors: | Jean GS Medeiros Mario Tomazello Fo Francisco J Krug Ana Elisa S Vives |
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Institution: | aDepartment of Forest Sciences, ESALQ, University of São Paulo, P.O. Box 09, Piracicaba 13418-900, SP, Brazil;bCenter of Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, University of São Paulo, P.O. Box 96, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil;cUniversity Methodist of Piracicaba, P.O. Box 78, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil |
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Abstract: | Tree-rings have frequently been used for dating of trees and to determine annual growth increments and forest dynamics, but little is known in tropical conditions about their utilization for environmental monitoring. This paper presents the results of Araucaria columnaris tree-ring characterization by wood anatomy and X-ray densitometric analysis and the determination of Pb concentration. Core samples from twelve araucaria trees were extracted from two sites exposed to air pollution due to intense traffic of vehicles and industrial activities. The tree-rings distinctly presented radial variation in early-latewood thickness and density, and characteristics of juvenile and mature wood. Anatomical and X-ray densitometric analysis were useful to delimit the tree-ring boundaries and to date the tree-rings, as well as to prove the annual formation. The lead concentration in annual araucaria tree-rings, analyzed with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, indicated the seasonal presence of the heavy metal in the environment during the 30 years studied, although the Pb did not affect tree growth. |
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Keywords: | Dendrochronology Dendrochemistry Araucaria columnaris Environmental monitoring Pb determination |
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