Statistical evaluation of air pollution in a model situation of beech stands in the Western Carpathians Mts

Abstract

Quantity of specific airborne pollutants (H + and O 3 ) was monitored at regular intervals over vegetation periods on a series of plots with modified stocking density. The statistical testing of the obtained values resulted in finding a significant difference (99% level) in proton H + input between the original intact parent stand and the plot treated with heavy cut; and, after the second intervention, the original stand and the plot treated with medium cut. The lowest mean values of (H + ) were recorded on the plot with the original parent stand (1999–2006: 13 mmol H + day –1 m –2 ). It is evident that the stands play a role of a filter significantly influencing the input of pollutants deposed inside forest ecosystems. The maximum values, especially in year 2005, reflect the effect of the second cutting intervention realised in year 2004. The differences in O 3 concentration among the particular modified plots were not found as significant as in proton load H + . The differences in amount of proton load and amount of ground level ozone among the plots were found significant
for all plots at the level of 99%. It follows that the input of emissions into forest stands depends on chemical composition of the polluted substances.