Scientific publications

Estimation of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) is one of the methods for indication of changing atmospheric conditions: the higher values of FA, the stronger disturbances. However recently universality of using this method for evaluation of conditions of natural and disturbance ecosystems is considered as doubtful. The aim of this study is to reveal the possibilities of using of fluctuating asymmetry method for indication of environmental conditions in Karelian areas with different level of pollution. Investigations were carried out in the four stations in Karelia: Zaonezhje (2005); Island Big Klimetsky (2006), Kostomuksha district (2006, 2007); Mountain-concentrating industrial complex in Kostomuksha (2007). Trees of Betula pubescens and Betula pendula were chosen as the objects of research. The influence of some factors such as radiation level, light exposure condition, category of vital tree condition, tree age, atmospheric pollution level by manufacture emissions, local anthropogenic loading (trampling) on FA values was investigated. Sampling and sample preparation were carried out according to method of Zaharov (2001). On each sample plot 10 trees were randomly selected and 10 leaves from each sampled tree were collected. For all sampled leaves FA value were measured. The evaluation of development stability was 181 appreciated with using of 5 ball scale (Zaharov, Chubinishvili, 2001). Results of research have shown that the estimation of conditions of natural and transformed ecosystems by means of FA method can be successfully used only in the conditions of high pollution level. In such conditions power of high pollution level exceeds action of local factors.