Trees and Pollution: Investigating the Impact of Sulfur Dioxide Using Ring Widths and Stable Isotopes

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Trees and Pollution: Investigating the Impact of Sulfur Dioxide Using Ring Widths and Stable Isotopes TREES AND POLLUTION: INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF SULFUR DIOXIDE USING RING WIDTHS AND STABLE ISOTOPES ZACHARY RAWLUK A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE NIPISSING UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES NORTH BAY, ONTARIO © Zachary Rawluk, March 2016 SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES THESIS/DISSERTATION CERTIFICATE OF EXAMINATION Certificate of Examination Supervisor(s): Examiner(s) Dr. Adam Csank Dr. Daniel Campbell Dr. April James Supervisory Committee: Dr. Adam Csank Dr. April James Dr. Jeff Dech The thesis by Zachary Rawluk entitled Trees and pollution: investigating the impact of sulfur dioxide using ring widths and stable isotopes is accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Environmental Science January 22, 2016 Dr. Dan Walters Date Chair of the Examination Committee (original signatures on file) Abstract Excessive sulfur dioxide (SO2) pollution released into the atmosphere from mining and smelting operations in northeastern Ontario, Canada has devastated surrounding forest ecosystems. Over the course of the 20th century, smelting operations in Sudbury, Ontario released more than 100 million tonnes of SO2 into the atmosphere. At peak production in 1960, Sudbury smelters generated 2.56 million tonnes of SO2 that represented approximately 4% of global sulfur emissions. Past studies have shown that in high enough doses, SO2 acts as a toxic environmental pollutant that can be associated with decreased growth in the annual growth rings of trees. However, the application and use of stable carbon-13 (δ13C) and sulfur-34 (δ34S) isotopes in dendrochemical studies involving sulfur pollution is still relatively new. This study aims to better understand the influence of atmospheric SO2 pollution loading on nearby forest ecosystems and tree physiology – from both a spatial and temporal perspective by combining tree-ring width and isotope data. Three sample sites along a 110-kilometer northeasterly transect from Sudbury to Temagami were chosen in order to quantify the interplay of pollution and climate. Ring-width and isotope data provided useful information that allowed this study to comment on the magnitude of influence and impact that SO2 pollution had on eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) trees throughout Sudbury’s entire smelting history, as well as the success of Vale’s Emission Reduction Program (ERP) that has reduced overall SO2 emissions by 90% over the last 45 years. Results indicated that the closest study site to Sudbury displayed growth ring trends that were influenced by SO2 during the peak emissions period and isotope data revealed a weakened relationship with climate variables before drastic emission reductions in the 1970s. Ultimately, this study provided 1 results in favour of white pine trees being good biorecorders of anthropogenic SO2 pollution. Because of the influence of SO2 emissions on tree growth and chemistry, failure to identify the associated signals of pollution in tree-ring widths and stable isotope records may lead to biased and inaccurate paleoclimatic reconstructions from regions affected by an increased pollution load. 2 To Nanny, for being the light to guide me in times of darkness. 3 Acknowledgments First and foremost, I would like to offer a big thank you to my supervisors, Dr. Adam Csank (Nipissing University) and Dr. April James (Nipissing University), for your valuable input, advice, guidance and support over the course of developing and conducting my thesis research project as well as throughout the entire duration of the Master of Environmental Science (MESc) program at Nipissing University. You are both greatly respected and admired for the vast amount of knowledge you possess within your fields of specialization. Working with you proved to be extremely beneficial to my development as an inquisitive researcher and scientist, while also allowing me the freedom to critically think and attempt to answer questions on my own at each step of the scientific method. Second, I would like to thank all of the Nipissing University faculty members who were involved with designing and instructing the MESc graduate courses. Our discussions were always thought-provoking and the feedback and constructive criticism provided in class greatly contributed to the evolution and improvement of my thesis. I would also like to thank Mr. Matt Rogers at the University of Alaska Anchorage Stable Isotope Laboratory for his technical assistance in conducting the mass spectrometry work that was required for isotope analysis. I am also grateful to Dr. Jeff Dech (Nipissing University) and Dr. Daniel Campbell (Laurentian University) for their feedback and comments on my written work in their roles as internal and external examiner, respectively. Furthermore, thanks to the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) for funding the research project. Last, but certainly not least, a special thank you to my mom, Megan Williams, for providing constant motivation and encouragement that helped me make it to the finish line. 4 Table of Contents Abstract .............................................................................................................................. 1 Dedication .......................................................................................................................... 3 Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................... 4 Table of Contents .............................................................................................................. 5 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................... 6 1.1. Sudbury mining and smelting history .................................................................. 6 1.2. Trees, pollution and dendrochronology ............................................................... 9 1.3. Project goals and significance ........................................................................... 13 2. Literature review ........................................................................................................ 14 2.1. Carbon isotope theory ........................................................................................ 14 2.2. Sulfur isotope theory .......................................................................................... 19 2.3. Biological and physiological effects of SO2 on plants ....................................... 21 13 34 2.4. Observed impacts of SO2 on ring widths, δ C and δ S isotopes ..................... 22 3. Materials and methods ............................................................................................... 30 3.1. Project overview and study design .................................................................... 30 3.2. Site descriptions ................................................................................................. 31 3.3. Fieldwork and tree-ring data ............................................................................. 34 3.4. Climate records and SO2 emissions data ........................................................... 37 3.5. Sample measurement, dating and preparation .................................................. 37 3.6. Chemical processing of α-cellulose ................................................................... 40 3.7. Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) ........................................................... 42 3.8. Statistical analyses ............................................................................................. 43 4. Results and discussion ................................................................................................ 45 4.1. RWI chronologies of White Bear, Hobbs Lake and Kukagami Lake ................. 45 4.2. RWI-climate analysis ......................................................................................... 54 4.3. RWI-pollution analysis ....................................................................................... 59 4.4. δ13C chronologies of White Bear, Hobbs Lake and Kukagami Lake ................. 61 4.5. δ13C-climate analysis ......................................................................................... 64 4.6. δ13C-pollution analysis ...................................................................................... 68 4.7. δ34S analyses ...................................................................................................... 72 5. Conclusions .................................................................................................................. 72 References ........................................................................................................................ 77 Appendices ....................................................................................................................... 85 Appendix I – Figures ................................................................................................. 85 Appendix II – Tables and Images ............................................................................ 103 5 1. Introduction 1.1. Sudbury mining and smelting history Mining, involving the extraction of copper and nickel ores, in the Sudbury region began in the late 1880s (SARA, 2008). The Canadian Copper Company was first to arrive on scene and locate significant nickel deposits. Following the company’s initial
Recommended publications
  • Título Do Trabalho
    UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO RIO GRANDE DO SUL ESCOLA DE ENGENHARIA DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA CIVIL Pedro Grala CHAMINÉS INDUSTRIAIS: SOLUÇÕES PARA ATENUAÇÃO DE VIBRAÇÕES INDUZIDAS POR DESPRENDIMENTO DE VÓRTICES Porto Alegre junho 2013 PEDRO GRALA CHAMINÉS INDUSTRIAIS: SOLUÇÕES PARA ATENUAÇÃO DE VIBRAÇÕES INDUZIDAS POR DESPRENDIMENTO DE VÓRTICES Trabalho de Diplomação apresentado ao Departamento de Engenharia Civil da Escola de Engenharia da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do título de Engenheiro Civil Orientador: Acir Mércio Loredo-Souza Porto Alegre junho 2013 PEDRO GRALA CHAMINÉS INDUSTRIAIS: SOLUÇÕES PARA ATENUAÇÃO DE VIBRAÇÕES INDUZIDAS POR DESPRENDIMENTO DE VÓRTICES Este Trabalho de Diplomação foi julgado adequado como pré-requisito para a obtenção do título de ENGENHEIRO CIVIL e aprovado em sua forma final pelo Professor Orientador e pela Coordenadora da disciplina Trabalho de Diplomação Engenharia Civil II (ENG01040) da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Porto Alegre, junho de 2013 Prof. Acir Mércio Loredo-Souza PhD, University of Western Ontario, Canada Orientador Profa. Carin Maria Schmitt Coordenadora BANCA EXAMINADORA Prof. Gustavo Javier Zani Núñez (UFRGS) Dr. pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Eng. Mario Gustavo Klaus Oliveira Dr. pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Prof. Acir Mércio Loredo-Souza (UFRGS) PhD pela University of Western Ontario, Canada Ao Max, que sempre lutou para estar ao meu lado durante a execução deste trabalho. AGRADECIMENTOS Agradeço ao Prof. Acir Mércio Loredo-Souza, meu orientador, pela disponibilidade e simpatia que demonstrou ao longo desses dois semestres, pelos conhecimentos que me transmitiu, pela bibliografia que me cedeu e pela revisão deste trabalho que em muito me ajudou para a sua conclusão.
    [Show full text]
  • Transparencias
    ANDANZAS DE UN JOVEN (E INGENUO) ESTADÍSTICO EN UNA CENTRAL TÉRMICA Manuel Febrero Bande Un problema medioambiental La Unidad de Producción Térmica (UPT) de As Pontes constituye uno de los centros productivos propiedad de Endesa Generación S.A., situado en el municipio de As Pontes, al noroeste de la provincia de A Coruña. Descripción general Inició su actividad en 1976 con la puesta en marcha de un grupo de generación de energía, disponiendo en la actualidad de cuatro. Fue diseñada para utilizar los lignitos extraídos de la mina a cielo abierto situada en sus proximidades con alto contenido de azufre. Puede generar el 5% de la demanda nacional En la lista de las instalaciones más contaminantes (10.4 M. de Tm de CO2~2.4 M. de coches (2004)) Descripción general Un problema medioambiental Name Pinnacle height Year Country Town Chimney of GRES-2 419.7 m 1987 Kazakhstan Ekibastuz Power Station Inco Superstack 380 m 1971 Canada Sudbury, Ontario Chimney of Homer City Homer City, 371 m 1977 United States Generating Station Pennsylvania Kennecott Smokestack 370.4 m 1974 United States Magna, Utah Chimney of 370 m 1985 Russia Sharypovo Berezovskaya GRES Chimney of Mitchell Moundsville, West 367.6 m 1971 United States Power Plant Virginia Trbovlje Chimney 360 m 1976 Slovenia Trbovlje Chimney of Endesa 356 m 1974 Spain As Pontes, Galicia Power Station Chimney of Phoenix 351.5 m 1995 Romania Baia Mare Copper Smelter Chimney of Syrdarya 350 m 1975 Uzbekistan Syr Darya Power Plant Chimney of Teruel 343 m Spain Teruel Power Plant Chimney of Plomin 340 m Croatia Plomin Power Station Descripción general Un matemático en la empresa… Adaptación al medio.
    [Show full text]
  • Análise E Dimensionamento De Um Sistema De Amortecimento Para Uma Chaminé
    ANÁLISE E DIMENSIONAMENTO DE UM SISTEMA DE AMORTECIMENTO PARA UMA CHAMINÉ GUSTAVO MIGUEL CAMEIRA DA SILVA OLIVEIRA Dissertação submetida para satisfação parcial dos requisitos do grau de MESTRE EM ENGENHARIA CIVIL — ESPECIALIZAÇÃO EM ESTRUTURAS Orientador: Professora Doutora Elsa de Sá Caetano Co-Orientador: Professor Doutor Álvaro Alberto de Matos Ferreira da Cunha JULHO DE 2011 MESTRADO INTEGRADO EM ENGENHARIA CIVIL 2010/2011 DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA CIVIL Tel. +351-22-508 1901 Fax +351-22-508 1446 [email protected] Editado por FACULDADE DE ENGENHARIA DA UNIVERSIDADE DO PORTO Rua Dr. Roberto Frias 4200-465 PORTO Portugal Tel. +351-22-508 1400 Fax +351-22-508 1440 [email protected] http://www.fe.up.pt Reproduções parciais deste documento serão autorizadas na condição que seja mencionado o Autor e feita referência a Mestrado Integrado em Engenharia Civil - 2010/2011 - Departamento de Engenharia Civil, Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal, 2011 . As opiniões e informações incluídas neste documento representam unicamente o ponto de vista do respectivo Autor, não podendo o Editor aceitar qualquer responsabilidade legal ou outra em relação a erros ou omissões que possam existir. Este documento foi produzido a partir de versão electrónica fornecida pelo respectivo Autor. Análise e Dimensionamento de um Sistema de Amortecimento para uma Chaminé A meu Pai e a minha Mãe Análise e Dimensionamento de um Sistema de Amortecimento para uma Chaminé AGRADECIMENTOS Ao longo deste semestre, muitas foram as pessoas que me ajudaram
    [Show full text]
  • The Case Study of the Controversial Inco Superstack
    Unsettling Heritage: Critical/Creative Conservation Carleton University Heritage Conservation Symposium 2015 Ottawa, March 28 2015 Industrial Heritage in Northern Ontario: The Case Study of the Controversial Inco Superstack Amanda Sherrington – M.Sc. Candidate, Conservation of Monuments & Sites, Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation (KU Leuven, Belgium) PREAMBLE The following research presents a non-exhaustive introductory study that has been compiled for a short research paper to be completed in the framework of my second year of study at the Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation (KU Leuven, Belgium). INTRODUCTION Industrial heritage, although now better socially recognized for its heritage value and creative adaptive re-use possibilities, does still present many unique challenges when we are faced with its preservation. The Inco Superstack, located in the greater metropolitan area of Sudbury and mining capital of the world, is an engineering, mining, and cultural landscape marvel. It is yet most definitely a unique example of a challenging and unsettling This research will not be establishing whether or industrial heritage of northern Ontario. not the Inco Superstack is in fact obsolete, but will, on the other hand, hope to illustrate the The structure’s intrinsic value, its direct impact on community’s reaction following the news, good and the past and present community, and its bad, and the obstacles faced when wanting to controversial standing, have recently been put into archive these discussions. In addition, the perspective following the announcement of its controversy of the structure will be considered; possible demolition by Vale’s vice-president of including its historical and environmental impacts, Sudbury and UK Operations, Kelly Strong, at the and certain associated conservation challenges of Sudbury Chamber of Commerce on November 3rd, such a unique structure are exemplified.
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental Policy and Property-Based Interests: the Domestic and International Politics of Air Pollution in Canada and the United States
    Environmental Policy and Property-based Interests: The Domestic and International Politics of Air Pollution in Canada and the United States by Owen Frederick Temby A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science Carleton University Ottawa, Ontario ©2012 Owen Frederick Temby Library and Archives Bibliotheque et Canada Archives Canada Published Heritage Direction du 1+1 Branch Patrimoine de I'edition 395 Wellington Street 395, rue Wellington Ottawa ON K1A0N4 Ottawa ON K1A 0N4 Canada Canada Your file Votre reference ISBN: 978-0-494-93698-6 Our file Notre reference ISBN: 978-0-494-93698-6 NOTICE: AVIS: The author has granted a non­ L'auteur a accorde une licence non exclusive exclusive license allowing Library and permettant a la Bibliotheque et Archives Archives Canada to reproduce, Canada de reproduire, publier, archiver, publish, archive, preserve, conserve, sauvegarder, conserver, transmettre au public communicate to the public by par telecommunication ou par I'lnternet, preter, telecommunication or on the Internet, distribuer et vendre des theses partout dans le loan, distrbute and sell theses monde, a des fins commerciales ou autres, sur worldwide, for commercial or non­ support microforme, papier, electronique et/ou commercial purposes, in microform, autres formats. paper, electronic and/or any other formats. The author retains copyright L'auteur conserve la propriete du droit d'auteur ownership and moral rights in this et des droits moraux qui protege cette these. Ni thesis. Neither the thesis nor la these ni des extraits substantiels de celle-ci substantial extracts from it may be ne doivent etre imprimes ou autrement printed or otherwise reproduced reproduits sans son autorisation.
    [Show full text]
  • Atmospheric Chemistry
    Atmospheric Chemistry: Air Pollution and Global Warming Summary of materials related to University of Washington course Atm S 458 Air Pollution Chemistry taught Autumn 2014 by Professor Joel Thornton compiled by Michael C. McGoodwin (MCM). Content last updated 1/15/2015 Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 3 A Little Light Physics .................................................................................................................................... 5 Blackbody Radiation ................................................................................................................................. 5 Planck’s Distribution Formula or Law..................................................................................................... 5 Wien’s Displacement Law ....................................................................................................................... 6 Stefan-Boltzmann Law ........................................................................................................................... 7 Solar Spectrum and Earth Irradiance ........................................................................................................ 7 Divisions of Visible Light: ....................................................................................................................... 9 Divisions of Ultraviolet UV...................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • 1773. (1966). a Bibliography for Regional Development: Classified List of Limited References, Ontario
    Part IV: Economics Partie IV: Économique 18.Regional and local development Développement régional et local ORGANIZATION OF THE SECTION ORGANISATION DE LA SECTION General Généralités Regional studies Études régionales Local studies Études locales Government programmes Programmes gouvernementaux Single enterprise communities Villes à industrie unique THE BIBLIOGRAPHY LA BIBLIOGRAPHIE General Généralités Research aids Instruments de recherche 1773. (1966). A bibliography for regional development: classified list of limited references, Ontario . Toronto: Department of Economics and Development, Regional Development Branch. 130p. 1774. (1978). Northern Ontario: a selected bibliography relating to economic development in Northern Ontario, 1969-1978 . Toronto: Ministry of Treasury, Economics and Intergovernmental Affairs, Economic Development Branch. 51 leaves. Books, articles, etc. Livres, articles, etc. 1775. (1966). Design for development . Toronto: Department of Treasury, Economics and Intergovernmental Affairs. 3 vols. Advocates greater concentration of populaton and services in large regional centres, thus discouraging growth in single industry towns. One of the most important documents of the period. 1776. (1967). A program for development in Northern Ontario . Toronto: Ontario Economic Council. 28 leaves. (Special publications). 141 1777. (1969). Northern development, 1969: a background paper . Toronto: Department of Mines and Northern Affairs. 29 leaves. (Special publications). 1778. (1969). Northern development, 1969: reports [of conferences held at Timmins, Sudbury and Port Arthur] . Toronto: Department of Mines and Northern Affairs. [50] leaves. (Special publications). 1779. (1976- ). Economic outlook for Northern Ontario . Ottawa: Department of Manpower and Immigration. Published irregularly. Prepared by M. Soucie and B. Wallace. LHUL, LUL. 1780. (1976). Northern Ontario development: issues and alternatives, 1976 . Toronto: Ministry of Treasury, Economics and Intergovernmental Affairs and Ontario Economic Council.
    [Show full text]