Long Term Effects of Pollutants on Forest Vegetation in Central Spis Region

Pollution problems in forest ecosystems resulting from 100 year long operation of three smelter complexes in Central Spiš are reviewed. Original data are presented with respect to temporal and spatial trends of nitrogen, sulphur, and heavy metal pollution, and elemental composition of individual aerosols on leaf surface. Spruce stands in Central Spiš are loaded by pollutants. 1.7-fold exceeding of critical values and the highest concentrations of As, Fe, Hg, and N were found in this region. Low Tatras National Park (NAPANT) was the cleanest region where no element maxima were found. Instrumental neutron activation analysis was used for determination of element concentratio