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

ABSTRACT Results of radiocarbon ( 14 C) 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 14 C measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide from Bratislava sampling station are compared with the tree-ring results. The effects of fossil CO 2 emissions on 14 C 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 14 C levels of Bratislava tree rings and atmospheric CO 2 in 1970s and 1980s are significantly lower than clean air data, indicating severe fossil CO 2 pollution in Bratislava during this time period.