The use of tree bark for environmental pollution monitoring in the Czech Republic

The paper describes the use of oak tree (Quercus robur, Quercus petraea) bark for determining the distribution of air pollution by heavy metals and other elements in the western part of the Czech Republic, known as Bohemia. The samples collected were analysed by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) in IRI TU Delft. To obtain sulphur concentration radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis (RXRFA) was applied in CTU-FNSPE. Out of all the determined elements 24 (Al, As, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Hf, Hg, La, Mn, Na, Ni, Rb, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Th, Ti, U, V, W, Zn) were selected as the most important. Then the data were analysed by Monte Carlo-assisted factor analysis (MCAFA) with the aim of resolving and identifying the environmental pollution sources. Some of the factors were interpreted as fly ash, coal combustion, Zn industry, waste incinerator plant, crustal material or metal industry. The geographical distribution patterns of the factors are also available.