Abstract
The effect of toxic metals on roots is mainly studied in laboratory single-species experiments. Data for multi-species plant communities obtained in natural conditions are needed to understand ecosystem functioning under pollution. However, information on the industrial emission effects on the below-ground biomass is fragmentary and contradictory. This study aims to analyze the fine and coarse root mass changes along strong pollution gradients. We hypothesize that long-term soil contamination from copper smelter emissions decreases root mass in forests. We assessed the root mass in the forest litter and upper mineral soil layer along two pollution gradients caused by emissions from two copper smelters: in the Middle Urals (coniferous forests) and the Southern Urals (deciduous forests). We divided roots into two diameter fractions (0.5–2.0 mm and 2.1–5.0 mm). Only the fine root mass in the mineral soil in deciduous forests, but not the total root mass, decreased 2.2-fold near the smelter compared to uncontaminated areas. However, this effect is much weaker than for above-ground biomass, and it does not manifest at all in coniferous forests. The percentage of roots localized in the forest litter was negligible (7–10% in the coniferous forests and 2–5% in the deciduous forests) and remained unchanged along the pollution gradients. The absence of a pronounced effect of metal contamination from copper smelter emissions on the fine and coarse root mass may be regarded as evidence of plant communities’ resistance to long-term pollution through a shift in species composition toward tolerant species with high below-ground phytomass, particularly grasses.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Data Availability
The datasets generated and analyzed during the current study are available in the Mendeley Data repository (http://dx.doi.org/10.17632/jcyc7kkhcb.1).
References
Achat, D. L., Bakker, M. R., & Trichet, P. (2008). Rooting patterns and fine root biomass of Pinus pinaster assessed by trench wall and core methods. Journal of Forest Research, 13, 165–175. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10310-008-0071-y
Addo-Danso, S. D., Prescott, C. E., & Smith, A. R. (2016). Methods for estimating root biomass and production in forest and woodland ecosystem carbon studies: A review. Forest Ecol Manag, 359, 332–351. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2015.08.015
Bel’skii, E. A., & Lyakhov, A. G. (2021). Dynamics of the community of hole-nesting birds upon reduction of industrial emissions (the example of the Middle Ural Copper Smelter). Russian Journal of Ecology, 52, 296–306.
Belskaya, E. A. (2018). Dynamics of trophic activity of leaf-eating insects on birch during reduction of emissions from the Middle Ural Copper Smelter. Russian Journal of Ecology, 49, 87–92. https://doi.org/10.1134/s1067413617060029
Berg, B., Ekbohm, G., Söderström, B., & Staaf, H. (1991). Reduction of decomposition rates of Scots pine needle litter due to heavy-metal pollution. Water Air Soil Poll, 59, 165–177. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00283179
Bes, C. M., Jaunatre, R., & Mench, M. (2013). Seed bank of Cu-contaminated topsoils at a wood preservation site: Impacts of copper and compost on seed germination. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 185, 2039–2053. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-012-2686-x
Boisson, S., et al. (2016). Potential of copper-tolerant grasses to implement phytostabilisation strategies on polluted soils in South D. R. Congo. Environ Sci Pollut Res, 23, 13693–13705. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-015-5442-2
Bojarczuk, K., Oleksyn, J., Karolewski, P., & Zytkowiak, R. (2006). Response of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) seedlings to experimental variation in aluminum concentration. Polish Journal of Ecology, 54, 189–200.
Bothe, H., & Słomka, A. (2017). Divergent biology of facultative heavy metal plants. Journal of Plant Physiology, 219, 45–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jplph.2017.08.014
Brunner, I., & Godbold, D. L. (2007). Tree roots in a changing world. J for Res-Jpn, 12, 78–82. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10310-006-0261-4
Cai, S. W., et al. (2013). Comparative study of root growth and sucrose-cleaving enzymes in metallicolous and non-metallicolous populations of Rumex dentatus under copper stress. Ecotox Environ Safe, 98, 95–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2013.09.017
Cairns, M. A., Brown, S., Helmer, E. H., & Baumgardner, G. A. (1997). Root biomass allocation in the world’s upland forests. Oecologia, 111, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s004420050201
Castañeda-Moya, E., Twilley, R. R., Rivera-Monroy, V. H., Marx, B. D., Coronado-Molina, C., & Ewe, S. M. L. (2011). Patterns of root dynamics in mangrove forests along environmental gradients in the Florida coastal everglades, USA. Ecosystems, 14, 1178–1195. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10021-011-9473-3
Di Salvatore, M., Carafa, A. M., & Carratu, G. (2008). Assessment of heavy metals phytotoxicity using seed germination and root elongation tests: A comparison of two growth substrates. Chemosphere, 73, 1461–1464. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.07.061
Disante, K. B., Fuentes, D., & Cortina, J. (2010). Sensitivity to zinc of Mediterranean woody species important for restoration. Science of the Total Environment, 408, 2216–2225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.12.045
Doubkova, P., & Sudova, R. (2016). Limited impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on clones of Agrostis capillaris with different heavy metal tolerance. Applied Soil Ecology, 99, 78–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2015.11.004
Dudka, S., & Adriano, D. C. (1997). Environmental impacts of metal ore mining and processing: A review. Journal of Environmental Quality, 26, 590–602. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq1997.00472425002600030003x
Dulya, O. V., Mikryukov, V. S., & Vorobeichik, E. L. (2013). Strategies of adaptation to heavy metal pollution in Deschampsia cespitosa and Lychnis flos-cuculi: Analysis based on dose-response relationship. Russian Journal of Ecology, 44, 271–281. https://doi.org/10.1134/s1067413613040036
Dulya, O. V., Mikryukov, V. S., & Hlystov, I. A. (2015). Interspecific differences in determinants of plant distribution in industrially polluted areas: Endogenous spatial autocorrelation vs. environmental parameters. Plant and Soil, 394, 329–342. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-015-2538-x
Dulya, O. V., Bergman, I. E., Kukarskih, V. V., Vorobeichik, E. L., Smirnov, G. Y., & Mikryukov, V. S. (2019). Pollution-induced slowdown of coarse woody debris decomposition differs between two coniferous tree species. Forest Ecol Manag, 448, 312–320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2019.06.026
Ephrath, J. E., Klein, T., Sharp, R. E., & Lazarovitch, N. (2020). Exposing the hidden half: Root research at the forefront of science. Plant and Soil, 447, 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-019-04417-y
Ernest, S. K. M., & Brown, J. H. (2001). Homeostasis and compensation: The role of species and resources in ecosystem stability. Ecology, 82, 2118–2132. https://doi.org/10.1890/0012-9658(2001)082[2118:HACTRO]2.0.CO;2
Ernst, W. H. O., Verkleij, J. A. C., & Schat, H. (1992). Metal tolerance in plants. Acta Bot Neerl, 41, 229–248. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1438-8677.1992.tb01332.x
Ettler, V. (2016). Soil contamination near non-ferrous metal smelters: A review. Applied Geochemistry, 64, 56–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2015.09.020
Finér, L., Ohashi, M., Noguchi, K., & Hirano, Y. (2011a). Factors causing variation in fine root biomass in forest ecosystems. Forest Ecol Manag, 261, 265–277. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2010.10.016
Finér, L., Ohashi, M., Noguchi, K., & Hirano, Y. (2011b). Fine root production and turnover in forest ecosystems in relation to stand and environmental characteristics. Forest Ecol Manag, 262, 2008–2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2011.08.042
Freedman, B., & Hutchinson, T. C. (1980a). Effects of smelter pollutants on forest leaf litter decomposition near a nickel-copper smelter at Sudbury, Ontario. Canadian Journal of Botany, 58, 1722–1736. https://doi.org/10.1139/b80-200
Freedman, B., & Hutchinson, T. C. (1980b). Long-term effects of smelter pollution at Sudbury, Ontario, on forest community composition. Canadian Journal of Botany, 58, 2123–2140.
Gill, R. A., & Jackson, R. B. (2000). Global patterns of root turnover for terrestrial ecosystems. New Phytologist, 147, 13–31. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8137.2000.00681.x
Hajek, P., Hertel, D., & Leuschner, C. (2014). Root order- and root age-dependent response of two poplar species to belowground competition. Plant and Soil, 377, 337–355. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-013-2007-3
Helmisaari, H. S., Makkonen, K., Olsson, M., Viksna, A., & Mälkönen, E. (1999). Fine-root growth, mortality and heavy metal concentrations in limed and fertilized Pinus sylvestris (L.) stands in the vicinity of a Cu-Ni smelter in SW Finland. Plant and Soil, 209, 193–200. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1004595531203
Herrero, C., Juez, L., Tejedor, C., Pando, V., & Bravo, F. (2014). Importance of root system in total biomass for Eucalyptus globulus in northern Spain. Biomass and Bioenergy, 67, 212–222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2014.04.023
Holscher, D., Hertel, D., Leuschner, C., & Hottkowitz, M. (2002). Tree species diversity and soil patchiness in a temperate broad-leaved forest with limited rooting space. Flora, 197, 118–125. https://doi.org/10.1078/0367-2530-00021
Jackson, R. B., Canadell, J., Ehleringer, J. R., Mooney, H. A., Sala, O. E., & Schulze, E. D. (1996). A global analysis of root distributions for terrestrial biomes. Oecologia, 108, 389–411. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00333714
Johnson, D., & Hale, B. (2008). Fine root decomposition and cycling of Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn at forest sites near smelters in Sudbury, ON, and Rouyn-Noranda, QU, Canada. Human Ecology Risk Assess, 1, 41–53. https://doi.org/10.1080/10807030701790447
Kaigorodova, S. Y., & Vorobeichik, E. L. (1996). Changes in certain properties of grey forest soil polluted with emissions from a copper-smelting plant. Russian Journal of Ecology, 27, 177–183.
Kocourek, R., & Bystřičan, A. (1990). Fine root and mycorrhizal biomass in Norway spruce (Picea abies /L./ Karsten) forest stands under different pollution stress. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 28, 235–242. https://doi.org/10.1016/0167-8809(90)90046-G
Korkina, I. N., & Vorobeichik, E. L. (2018). Humus Index as an indicator of the topsoil response to the impacts of industrial pollution. Applied Soil Ecology, 123, 455–463. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2017.09.025
Korkina, I. N., & Vorobeichik, E. L. (2021). Non-typical degraded and regraded humus forms in metal-contaminated areas, or there and back again. Geoderma, 404, 115390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2021.115390
Kozlov, M. V., Zvereva, E. L., & Zverev, V. E. (2009). Impacts of point polluters on terrestrial biota: Comparative analysis of 18 contaminated areas. Springer.
Lukina, N. V., Orlova, M. A., Steinnes, E., Artemkina, N. A., Gorbacheva, T. T., Smirnov, V. E., & Belova, E. A. (2017). Mass-loss rates from decomposition of plant residues in spruce forests near the northern tree line subject to strong air pollution. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 24, 19874–19887. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-9348-z
Luo, T., Brown, S., Pan, Y., Shi, P., Ouyang, H., Yu, Z., & Zhu, H. (2005). Root biomass along subtropical to alpine gradients: Global implication from Tibetan transect studies. Forest Ecol Manag, 206, 349–363. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2004.11.016
McEnroe, N. A., & Helmisaari, H. S. (2001). Decomposition of coniferous forest litter along a heavy metal pollution gradient, south-west Finland. Environmental Pollution, 113, 11–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0269-7491(00)00163-9
Menon, M., Robinson, B., Oswald, S. E., Kaestner, A., Abbaspour, K. C., Lehmann, E., & Schulin, R. (2007). Visualization of root growth in heterogeneously contaminated soil using neutron radiography. European Journal of Soil Science, 58, 802–810. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2389.2006.00870.x
Mikhailova, I. N. (2020). Dynamics of epiphytic lichen communities in the initial period after reduction of emissions from a copper smelter. Russian Journal of Ecology, 51, 38–45. https://doi.org/10.1134/s1067413620010075
Mikryukov, V. S., & Dulya, O. V. (2017). Contamination-induced transformation of bacterial and fungal communities in spruce-fir and birch forest litter. App Soil Ecol, 114, 111–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2017.03.003
Mikryukov, V. S., Dulya, O. V., & Vorobeichik, E. L. (2015). Diversity and spatial structure of soil fungi and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in forest litter contaminated with copper smelter emissions. Water Air Soil Poll, 226, 114. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-014-2244-y
Mikryukov, V. S., Dulya, O. V., & Modorov, M. V. (2020). Phylogenetic signature of fungal response to long-term chemical pollution. Soil Biology & Biochemistry, 140, 107644. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2019.107644
Mikryukov, V. S., Dulya, O. V., Bergman, I. E., Lihodeevskiy, G. A., Loginova, A. D., & Tedersoo, L. (2021). Sheltering role of well-decayed conifer logs for forest floor fungi in long-term polluted boreal forests. Frontiers in Microbiology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.729244
Moraes, R. M., Klumpp, A., Furlan, C. M., Klumpp, G., Domingos, M., Rinaldi, M. C. S., & Modesto, I. F. (2002). Tropical fruit trees as bioindicators of industrial air pollution in southeast Brazil. Environment International, 28, 367–374. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0160-4120(02)00060-0
Mukhacheva, S. V. (2021). Long-term dynamics of small mammal communities in the period of reduction of copper smelter emissions: 1. Composition, abundance, and diversity. Russian Journal of Ecology, 52, 84–93. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1067413621010100
Niklas, K. J. (2003). Reexamination of a canonical model for plant organ biomass partitioning. American Journal of Botany, 90, 250–254. https://doi.org/10.3732/ajb.90.2.250
Noguchi, K., Konôpka, B., Satomura, T., Kaneko, S., & Takahashi, M. (2007). Biomass and production of fine roots in Japanese forests. J for Res-Jpn, 12, 83–95. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10310-006-0262-3
Noguchi, K., Matsuura, Y., Sparrow, S. D., & Hinzman, L. D. (2016). Fine root biomass in two black spruce stands in interior Alaska: Effects of different permafrost conditions. Trees, 30, 441–449. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-015-1226-z
Ostertag, R. (2001). Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus availability on fine-root dynamics in Hawaiian montane forests. Ecology, 82, 485–499. https://doi.org/10.1890/0012-9658(2001)082[0485:EONAPA]2.0.CO;2
Prudnikova, E. V., et al. (2020). Root elongation method for the quality assessment of metal-polluted soils: Whole soil or soil-water extract?. Journal of Soil Science Plant Nutrition, 20, 2294–2303. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-020-00295-x
Qi, Y. L., Wei, W., Chen, C. G., & Chen, L. D. (2019). Plant root-shoot biomass allocation over diverse biomes: A global synthesis. Glob Ecol Conserv, 18, e00606. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00606
Ramsey, P. W., Rillig, M. C., Feris, K. P., Gordon, N. S., Moore, J. N., Holben, W. E., & Gannon, J. E. (2005). Relationship between communities and processes: New insights from a field study of a contaminated ecosystem. Ecology Letters, 8, 1201–1210. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1461-0248.2005.00821.x
Ryser, P., & Emerson, P. (2007). Growth, root and leaf structure, and biomass allocation in Leucanthemum vulgare Lam. (Asteraceae) as influenced by heavy-metal-containing slag. Plant and Soil, 301, 315–324.
Saquib, M. (2009). Root growth responses of Melilotus indicus (L.) All. to air pollution. Ecoprint, 16, 29–34. https://doi.org/10.3126/eco.v16i0.3470
Schenk, H. J., & Jackson, R. B. (2002). The global biogeography of roots. Ecological Monographs, 72, 311–328. https://doi.org/10.1890/0012-9615(2002)072[0311:tgbor]2.0.co;2
Shanin, V. N., Rocheva, L. K., Shashkov, M. P., Ivanova, N. V., Moskalenko, S. V., & Burnasheva, E. R. (2015). Spatial distribution features of the root biomass of some tree species (Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris, Betula sp.). Biological Bulletin, 42, 260–268. https://doi.org/10.1134/s1062359015030115
Smorkalov, I. A., & Ermakov, A. I. (2020). Root mass in the forests along two strong pollution gradients, 1 edn. Mendeley Data. https://doi.org/10.17632/jcyc7kkhcb.1
Smorkalov, I. A., & Vorobeichik, E. L. (2016). Mechanism of stability of CO2 emission from forest litter under industrial pollution conditions. Lesovedenie, 1, 34–43. (In Russian)
Smorkalov, I. A., & Vorobeichik, E. L. (2011). Soil respiration of forest ecosystems in gradient of environmental pollution by emissions from copper smelters. Russian Journal of Ecology, 42, 464–470.
Taskinen, O., Ilvesniemi, H., Kuuluvainen, T., & Leinonen, K. (2003). Response of fine roots to an experimental gap in a boreal Picea abies forest. Plant and Soil, 255, 503–512. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1026077830097
Tateno, R., Hishi, T., & Takeda, H. (2004). Above- and belowground biomass and net primary production in a cool-temperate deciduous forest in relation to topographical changes in soil nitrogen. For Ecol Manag, 193, 297–306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2003.11.011
Tilman, D. (1996). Biodiversity: Population versus ecosystem stability. Ecology, 77, 350–363. https://doi.org/10.2307/2265614
Trubina, M. R. (2020). Vulnerability to copper smelter emissions in species of the Her, Dwarf shrub layer: Role of differences in the type of diaspore dispersal. Russian Journal of Ecology, 51, 107–117.
USEPA (2007). Test methods for evaluating solid waste: Physical/chemical methods (SW-846). Washington, DC
Usoltsev, V. A., Vorobeichik, E. L., & Bergman, I. E. (2012). Biological productivity of the Ural forests in conditions of technogenic pollution. USFEU, Ekaterinburg (In Russian)
Veselkin, D. V. (2002). Distribution of fine roots of coniferous trees over the soil profile under conditions of pollution by emissions from a copper-smelting plant. Russian Journal of Ecology, 33, 231–234. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1016208118629
Veselkin, D. V. (2015). Volumetric ratio of fungal and wood tissues of ectomycorrhizal roots of conifers. Lesovedenie, 2, 140–146. (In Russian)
Vogt, K. A., Publicover, D. A., Bloomfield, J., Perez, J. M., Vogt, D. J., & Silver, W. L. (1993). The impact of the environment on roots and root systems belowground responses as indicators of environmental change. Environmental and Experimental Botany, 33, 189–205. https://doi.org/10.1016/0098-8472(93)90065-N
Vorobeichik, E. L. (1995). Changes in thickness of forest litter under chemical pollution. Russian Journal of Ecology, 26, 252–258.
Vorobeichik, E. L. (2007). Seasonal changes in the spatial distribution of cellulolytic activity of soil microflora under conditions of atmospheric pollution. Russian Journal of Ecology, 38, 398–407.
Vorobeichik, E. L., & Kaigorodova, S. Y. (2017). Long-term dynamics of heavy metals in the upper horizons of soils in the region of a copper smelter impacts during the period of reduced emission. Eurasian Soil Science, 50, 977–990.
Vorobeichik, E. L., & Kozlov, M. V. (2012). Impact of point polluters on terrestrial ecosystems: Methodology of research, experimental design, and typical errors. Russian Journal of Ecology, 43, 89–96.
Vorobeichik, E. L., Trubina, M. R., Khantemirova, E. V., & Bergman, I. E. (2014). Long-term dynamic of forest vegetation after reduction of copper smelter emissions. Russian Journal of Ecology, 45, 498–507.
Vorobeichik, E. L., Ermakov, A. I., & Grebennikov, M. E. (2019). Initial stages of recovery of soil macrofauna communities after reduction of emissions from a copper smelter. Russian Journal of Ecology, 50, 146–160. https://doi.org/10.1134/s1067413619020115
Wang, C., et al. (2018). Global patterns of dead fine root stocks in forest ecosystems. Journal of Biogeography, 45, 1378–1394. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.13206
Xiao, C. W., et al. (2003). Above- and belowground biomass and net primary production in a 73-year-old Scots pine forest. Tree Physiology, 23, 505–516. https://doi.org/10.1093/treephys/23.8.505
Xu, M. H., Zhang, S. X., Wen, J., & Yang, X. Y. (2019). Multiscale spatial patterns of species diversity and biomass together with their correlations along geographical gradients in subalpine meadows. PLoS ONE, 14, e0211560. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0211560
Xu, W., Cui, K. H., Xu, A. H., Nie, L. X., Huang, J. L., & Peng, S. B. (2015). Drought stress condition increases root to shoot ratio via alteration of carbohydrate partitioning and enzymatic activity in rice seedlings. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 37, Unsp 9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-014-1760-0
Yarmishko, V. T., Lumme, I., & Yarmishko, M. A. (2007). Influence of air technogenic pollution on Pinus sylvestris (Pinaceae) roots state in Leningrad region and south-western Finland. Rastitelnye Resursy, 43, 42–55. (In Russian).
Ye, Z. H., Shu, W. S., Zhang, Z. Q., Lan, C. Y., & Wong, M. H. (2002). Evaluation of major constraints to revegetation of lead/zinc mine tailings using bioassay techniques. Chemosphere, 47, 1103–1111. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0045-6535(02)00054-1
Yuan, Z. Y., Shi, X. R., Jiao, F., & Han, F. P. (2018). Changes in fine root biomass of Picea abies forests: Predicting the potential impacts of climate change. J Plant Ecol, 11, 595–603. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpe/rtx032
Zhang, H., Wang, K., Xu, X., Song, T., Xu, Y., & Zeng, F. (2015). Biogeographical patterns of biomass allocation in leaves, stems, and roots in China’s forests. Science and Reports, 5, 15997. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep15997
Zolfaghari, R., Fayyaz, P., Nazari, M., & Valladares, F. (2013). Interactive effects of seed size and drought stress on growth and allocation of Quercus brantii Lindl. seedlings from two provenances. Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry, 37, 361–368. https://doi.org/10.3906/tar-1206-54
Zvereva, E. L., & Kozlov, M. V. (2012). Changes in the abundance of vascular plants under the impact of industrial air pollution: A meta-analysis. Water Air Soil Poll, 223, 2589–2599. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-011-1050-z
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to Igor Bergman, Tatyana Gabershtein, and Alexander Ermakov for sampling and laboratory processing assistance; to Marina Trubina for providing vegetation diversity data; and to Olesya Dulya, Vladimir Mikryukov, Marco Ferretti, and anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments. The data were collected with support from the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (project no. 11-05-01218). Data analysis and manuscript preparation were performed under the State Assignment of the Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences (contract no. AAAA-A19-119031890088-4).
Funding
The data were collected with support from the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (project no. 11–05-01218). Data analysis and manuscript preparation were performed under the State Assignment of the Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences (contract no. AAAA-A19-119031890088–4).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Contributions
Ivan A. Smorkalov contributed to field sampling and laboratory processing, data analysis, writing the first draft of the manuscript, and reviewing and editing the manuscript. Evgenii L. Vorobeichik contributed to the conceptualization, supervision, data analysis, reviewing and editing the manuscript, and funding acquisition.
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Ethics Approval
Not applicable.
Consent to Participate
Not applicable.
Consent for Publication
All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no competing interests.
Additional information
Publisher's Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Smorkalov, I.A., Vorobeichik, E.L. Does Long-Term Industrial Pollution Affect the Fine and Coarse Root Mass in Forests? Preliminary Investigation of Two Copper Smelter Contaminated Areas. Water Air Soil Pollut 233, 55 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-022-05512-0
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-022-05512-0