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Dendrochemistry: Tools for Evaluating Variations in Past and Present Forest...
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Dendrochemistry: Tools for Evaluating Variations in Past and Present Forest Environments

A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Wood Science and Forest Products".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 October 2023) | Viewed by 18461

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Paul R Sheppard

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
Interests: dendrochemistry; dendrogeomorphology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Dendrochemistry, the measurement of inorganic elements in growth rings of trees followed by analysis and interpretation of changes in environmental chemistry through time, is both promising and challenging. For environmental situations where the abundance of an element or multiple elements has changed through time, direct monitoring of environmental chemistry might not extend very far back in time, if at all. Accordingly, estimating past element abundance of a site using trees is enticing. Even tree-ring records just 20 to 30 years in length, which would be considered short in traditional applications of dendrochronology, could be usefully long in dendrochemistry. Given that dendrochemistry truly works, it could be applicable in many environmental situations such as long-term changes in forest soil chemistry (e.g., N or P), abrupt changes in elements due to natural causes (e.g., ash deposits from explosive volcanic eruptions), or subtle increases in elements that might be harmful to human health (e.g., various metals) due to inadvertent contamination. 

However, as a young subdiscipline of tree-ring analysis, dendrochemistry still has issues that hamper its use in environmental reconstruction and analysis. For example: To what extent do fundamentals of dendrochronology, such as site and tree selection as well as replication and sample size, underpin dendrochemistry research? How are technical issues of measurement of trace amounts of elements in wood dealt with and solved? What temporal frequencies are suitable for analysis of dendrochemical measurements versus those which might be less suitable? Must measurements in dendrochemistry stay in absolute units to be useful, or is relative change through time useful? To what extent does movement of elements across tree rings exist? 

The objective of this Special Issue is to compile examples of research that speaks to issues of dendrochemistry and/or applies dendrochemistry to interesting situations of environmental chemistry. 

Dr. Paul R Sheppard
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • dendrochemistry
  • environmental chemistry monitoring
  • dendrochronology
  • point-source contamination
  • non-point source pollution
  • public health
  • inorganic elements
  • element translocation

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3624 KiB  
Article
Chemical Elements Recorded by Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Ledeb. Tree Rings Reveal Trends of Pollution History in Harbin, China
by Paula Ballikaya, Wenqi Song, Olivier Bachmann, Marcel Guillong, Xiaochun Wang and Paolo Cherubini
Forests 2023, 14(2), 187; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14020187 - 18 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1947
Abstract
Rapid industrialization has led to a dramatic increase in air pollution. In China, the factors driving the abundance and composition of smog, particularly fine particulate matter, remain poorly understood, and short-term air pollution data are available from few air quality monitoring networks. Using [...] Read more.
Rapid industrialization has led to a dramatic increase in air pollution. In China, the factors driving the abundance and composition of smog, particularly fine particulate matter, remain poorly understood, and short-term air pollution data are available from few air quality monitoring networks. Using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), chemical elements (Mg, Al, Si, S, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Tl, Pb, Bi) were analyzed in Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Ledeb. tree rings from Harbin, China, in latewood at 5-year resolution over the period 1965–2020. The temporal trend of some elements was influenced by physiological factors, by environmental factors such as pollution, or influenced by both. Mg, K, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, As, Sr and Tl showed changes in pollution levels over time. The signal of K, Zn, Ni, Cu and Pb in trees from Harbin statistically did not differ from those at the control site after the 2000s. Our analysis confirmed the success of the undertaken emission reduction measures, which lead to an improvement in China’s urban air quality after 2010. However, As increased from 2000 to 2020 in Harbin which is consistent with rising As concentrations in China. Our study proved that dendrochemistry is a reliable tool to monitor the long-term history of pollution and to contribute to extending instrumental records of pollution back in time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dendrochemistry: Tools for Evaluating Variations in Past and Present Forest Environments)
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13 pages, 1981 KiB  
Article
Riparian Dendrochemistry: Detecting Anthropogenic Gadolinium in Trees along an Effluent-Dominated Desert River
by Amy L. McCoy and Paul R. Sheppard
Forests 2022, 13(12), 2047; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13122047 - 1 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1415
Abstract
This research documents spatial and temporal patterns of effluent uptake by riparian trees through development of a new and innovative application for dendrochronology, specifically dendrochemistry. The rare-earth element (REE) gadolinium (Gd) is a known micro-pollutant in its anthropogenic form and enters streams from [...] Read more.
This research documents spatial and temporal patterns of effluent uptake by riparian trees through development of a new and innovative application for dendrochronology, specifically dendrochemistry. The rare-earth element (REE) gadolinium (Gd) is a known micro-pollutant in its anthropogenic form and enters streams from wastewater treatment plants. Anthropogenic Gd was first used in select medical procedures in 1988 and has since been used as a contrast agent for medical imaging. It is naturally flushed from the body following procedures and is subsequently discharged via treatment plants into waterways. Riparian trees that utilize effluent-dominated surface water take up Gd, which then remains in annual growth rings. The year 1988 serves as presence/absence date stamp for Gd in tree rings, thereby making Gd an ideal marker for this dendrochronological study. Results from this study along the Upper Santa Cruz River in southeastern Arizona show levels of Gd in effluent-dominated surface flows to be elevated above the threshold that distinguishes an anthropogenic anomaly from natural GdSN abundance in freshwater, thereby confirming that anthropogenic Gd is present. Gd was found in the growth rings of cottonwood trees (Populus fremontii var. arizonica (Sarg.) Jeps.) that are growing in the floodway adjacent to the effluent-dominated portion of the stream. The presence of Gd in cottonwood annual rings confirms that the trees are utilizing effluent over the course of the growing season. Furthermore, temporal patterns of Gd concentrations in trees directly adjacent to the stream may be reflective of high-frequency changes in surface water quality. Information on the impacts of effluent quality on the chemical composition of tree rings can be a useful monitoring tool to evaluate the spatial and temporal patterns of effluent use in riparian trees and to identify high-frequency changes in surface water quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dendrochemistry: Tools for Evaluating Variations in Past and Present Forest Environments)
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18 pages, 6307 KiB  
Article
Dendrochemistry in Public Health: A Case Study in North Carolina, USA
by Paul R. Sheppard and Mark L. Witten
Forests 2022, 13(11), 1767; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13111767 - 27 Oct 2022
Viewed by 1885
Abstract
Dendrochemistry, the measurement of element concentrations in tree rings for the purpose of assessing temporal changes in chemical environments, was used to study an area in south-central North Carolina, USA, that has experienced higher than expected incidences of a couple human illnesses. A [...] Read more.
Dendrochemistry, the measurement of element concentrations in tree rings for the purpose of assessing temporal changes in chemical environments, was used to study an area in south-central North Carolina, USA, that has experienced higher than expected incidences of a couple human illnesses. A principal objective of applying dendrochemistry around an area with public health problems is to assess the environmental chemistry through time to see if the environmental abundance of any elements has changed recently, which then might inform further research into the possible linkage between those elements and the reported illnesses. Loblolly pine is common in the study area and, therefore, was chosen for sampling. Using acid digestion ICP-MS, decadal chunks of rings were measured for the concentration of multiple elements. Most of the elements measured do not show any particular changes in concentration throughout the time period covered by the trees, but four elements (molybdenum, chromium, iron, and, possibly, vanadium) show concentrations in the most recent decade (the 2010s) that were higher than for previous decades. Because this study was ecologic in design, it is not possible to associate these elements with the illnesses that are being reported for the area based on this study alone, but further environmental monitoring might be merited to confirm the temporal pattern found here. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dendrochemistry: Tools for Evaluating Variations in Past and Present Forest Environments)
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21 pages, 3116 KiB  
Article
Challenges in the Application of Dendrochemistry in Research on Historical Environmental Pollution in an Old Copper Mining Area
by Joanna Dobrzańska, Paweł Lochyński, Robert Kalbarczyk and Monika Ziemiańska
Forests 2021, 12(11), 1505; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12111505 - 31 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2307
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 [...] Read more.
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. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dendrochemistry: Tools for Evaluating Variations in Past and Present Forest Environments)
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20 pages, 4845 KiB  
Article
Chemical Signals in Tree Rings from Northern Patagonia as Indicators of Calbuco Volcano Eruptions since the 16th Century
by Lizette J. Bertin, Duncan A. Christie, Paul R. Sheppard, Ariel A. Muñoz, Antonio Lara and Claudio Alvarez
Forests 2021, 12(10), 1305; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12101305 - 25 Sep 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6449
Abstract
The Calbuco volcano ranks third in the specific risk classification of volcanoes in Chile and has a detailed eruption record since 1853. During 2015, Calbuco had a sub-Plinian eruption with negative impacts in Chile and Argentina, highlighting the need to determine the long-term [...] Read more.
The Calbuco volcano ranks third in the specific risk classification of volcanoes in Chile and has a detailed eruption record since 1853. During 2015, Calbuco had a sub-Plinian eruption with negative impacts in Chile and Argentina, highlighting the need to determine the long-term history of its activity at a high-resolution time scale to obtain a better understanding of its eruptive frequency. We developed a continuous eruptive record of Calbuco for the 1514–2016 period by dendrochemical analysis of Fitzroya cupressoides tree rings at a biennium resolution using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. After comparing the chemical record of 20 elements contained in tree rings with historical eruptions, one group exhibited positive anomalies during (Pb/Sn) and immediately after (Mo/P/Zn/Cu) eruptions, with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) ≥ 3, and so were classified as chemical tracers of past eruptions (TPE). The tree-ring width chronology also exhibited significant decreases in tree growth associated with eruptions of VEI ≥ 3. According to these records, we identified 11 new eruptive events of Calbuco, extending its eruptive chronology back to the 16th century and determining a mean eruptive frequency of ~23 years. Our results show the potential to use dendrochemical analysis to infer past volcanic eruptions in Northern Patagonia. This information provides a long-term perspective for assessing eruptive history in Northern Patagonia, with implications for territorial planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dendrochemistry: Tools for Evaluating Variations in Past and Present Forest Environments)
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Review

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23 pages, 3235 KiB  
Review
Critical Analysis of the Past, Present, and Future of Dendrochemistry: A Systematic Literature Review
by Chloe M. Canning, Colin P. Laroque and David Muir
Forests 2023, 14(10), 1997; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14101997 - 5 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2438
Abstract
Dendrochemistry, the study of elements found within tree rings, has been used to understand environmental changes from both natural and anthropogenic sources. When used appropriately, dendrochemistry can provide a greater understanding of the elemental changes in the environment. However, environmental and species-specific processes [...] Read more.
Dendrochemistry, the study of elements found within tree rings, has been used to understand environmental changes from both natural and anthropogenic sources. When used appropriately, dendrochemistry can provide a greater understanding of the elemental changes in the environment. However, environmental and species-specific processes have been shown to impact results, and research from the field has been scrutinized due to the need for a greater understanding that role-specific processes such as translocation play. This systematic literature review examines dendrochemistry’s history, highlights how the field has changed, and hypothesizes where it might be headed. From this review, we recommend the following measures: (1) promoting the use of new experimental techniques and methods with faster data acquisition time to allow for a greater number of samples to be processed and included in studies to increase statistical significance; (2) that more studies focus on the two- and three-dimensional space that trees grow in and consider the complex physiological processes occurring in that space and over time and (3) more lab-based studies to reduce the variables that cannot be controlled when sampling in situ. Understanding the challenges and opportunities from the past, present, and future research of dendrochemistry is crucial to the advancement of the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dendrochemistry: Tools for Evaluating Variations in Past and Present Forest Environments)
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