Missouri Tree-Ring Laboratory Home

Environmental Chemistry Element concentrations in tree rings can be used to monitor metal pollution, fertilization, effects of acid precipitation and wild land fire on soil chemistry. We research the problems and potential of dendrochemistry and have published a number of articles on the subject. These include papers on monitoring lead and cadmium pollution from mining emissions, the effects of sulfur on molybdenum uptake over the last 500 years, barium and manganese concentrations historic changes in soil pH, factors effecting dendrochemical studies, differences in sap pH, inorganic concentrations in wood grown on different sites, and the effects of wild land fire on Ca cycling.

Recent publications:

Muzika, R.M., R.P. Guyette, T. Zielonka, and A. M. Liebhold. 2004. The influence of O3, NO2 and SO2 on growth of Picea abies and Fagus sylvatica in the Carpathian Mountains. Environmental Pollution 130: 65-71.

Muzika, R.M., Guyette, R.P. Zielonka, T., Liehold, A.M. 2002. The influence of air pollution on tree growth in the Carpathian Mountains. In: Effects of air pollution on forest health and biodiveristy in forests of the Carpathian Mountains. NATO Life Sciences, IOS Press, Amsterdam.

Guyette, R.P. and B.E. Cutter. 1997. Fire history, population, and calcium cycling in the Current River Watershed. In: Proceedings 11th Central Hardwood Conference (Pallardy et al. eds.). USDA Forest Service GTR NC-188.

Guyette, R.P., and B.E. Cutter. 1994. Barium and manganese trends in tree-rings as monitors of sulfate deposition. Journal of Water, Air, and Soil, 73:213-223.

Guyette, R.P. 1994.A dendrochemical perspective on the effects of climate change in the Ozark Highlands. In: Mountain environments in changing climates (M. Beniston, ed.). Routledge Pub. Co. London, 484 pp.

Cutter, B.E., and R.P. Guyette. 1993. Factors affecting species choice for dendrochemistry studies. Journal of Environmental Quality, 22:611-619.

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