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The effect of nickel and copper deposition from a mining and smelting complex on coniferous regeneration in the boreal forest of northern Manitoba

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ABSTRACT

Airborne pollutants in the form of SO2 and heavy metals have been dispersed over the boreal forest in the Thompson area of northern Manitoba since 1961. Metal deposition has been found in soils and plant material to a distance of 35 km from the Inco nickel smelter. Studies were initiated in 1979 to determine effects of Ni and Cu on coniferous regeneration of jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) and black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill) BSP.).Studies included metal accumulation in cones, effects on seed quality, seed germination and seedling response in metal contaminated soils. Nickel and Cu accumulation in cones of both species declined rapidly with distance from the smelter. Seed quality and germination potential was not related to metals in cones or air pollutant influence in general. Nickel and Cu accumulation in surface organic soils was inversely related to distance from the smelter. A significant inverse correlation was determined between seedling growth and Cu/Ni concentrations in surface organic soils. Metal accumulation in soils within 5 km of the nickel smelter inhibited root growth of conifer seedlings.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Environmental Management, Manitoba Department of Environment and Workplace Safety and Health, Building 2, 139 Tuxedo Avenue, R3N OH6, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

    David L. Wotton, Dale C. Jones & S. Floyd Phillips

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  1. David L. Wotton
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  2. Dale C. Jones
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  3. S. Floyd Phillips
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Wotton, D.L., Jones, D.C. & Phillips, S.F. The effect of nickel and copper deposition from a mining and smelting complex on coniferous regeneration in the boreal forest of northern Manitoba. Water Air Soil Pollut 31, 349–358 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00630851

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00630851

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