REsponse of scots pine (Pinus Sylvestris L.), Sukachyov’s larch (Larix sukaczewii Dylis), and Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) to magnesite dust in Satkinsky industrial hub

Abstract

Deforestation due to air pollution is a serious problem in industrial sites. Aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of magnesite dust on growth of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Sukachyov’s larch (Larix sukaczewii Dylis; Syn. Larix sibirica Ledeb.) and Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) planted in soil plots between 1980 and 1983 in Satkinsky District, Chelyabinsk. The trees in zones of moderate and low pollution survived, while those in strongly polluted zones died with the exception of Silver birch in soils ameliorated with 12 cm thick peat layer. However, in the zone of strong pollution, coniferous species treated with only 2 cm thick peat layer and weak sulphuric acid solution, grew better than the Silver birch. Twelve centimetres of peat layers could mitigate dust impact on Silver birch, while their 2 cm thickness was not adequate. The dust pollution hit the plants at strongly polluted sites more severely than those at sites with moderate and low pollution. Silver birch and Scots pine trees were more severely impacted by dust pollution compared to Sukachyov’s larch trees. Soil remediation is needed in strongly affected areas. While soil remediation is not needed at moderately and low affected sites, these sites should be monitored to avoid their degradation.