PIXE analysis of contaminants in tree rings in proximity of the aluminum processing factory in Ladomerská Vieska (Slovakia)

The aluminum smelter in the Žiar nad Hronom region of central Slovakia was a substantial source of pollution in the past. Five trees were sampled in close proximity to the smelter and the tree rings were chemically processed and analyzed with the PIXE technique . Elevated concentrations of Mg, Al, Si, P, S, K, Ca, Fe, and Zn were observed in tree rings, however, they did not show a significant correlation with PM, HF and SO 2 emission rates. Concentration trends show a significant effect of the heartwood-sapwood boundary layer, where a substantial drop or increase was observed between tree-ring sections.