J. Sikorski - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by J. Sikorski

The Holocene, 2014

Fens are underestimated carbon sinks. Knowledge about their role in the sequestration of CO2 in t... more Fens are underestimated carbon sinks. Knowledge about their role in the sequestration of CO2 in the past is limited. The research reported here focused on identifying long-term carbon accumulation rates (CARs) in a drained fen (Bagno Bruch) and a waterlogged fen (Bagno Mikołeska) in southern Poland. On the basis of 210Pb and AMS 14C dates and age–depth modeling, 7000- and 2000-year records of changes in bulk composition and carbon and sulfur content are presented and discussed. Strong human impact is detected, especially in Bagno Bruch. However, minor climatic signals linked to the ‘Little Ice Age’ and to the influence of wind-blown sands are also evident. The sand may have influenced the plant composition, peat accumulation rates (PARs), and CARs, in addition to the bulk composition at Bagno Mikołeska. The mean value of the CAR in the youngest peat layers spanning the last 200 years is generally lower in two cores from Bagno Bruch ( c. 85 and 86 g/m2/yr) than in two cores from Bagn...

The Holocene, 2014

Fens are underestimated carbon sinks. Knowledge about their role in the sequestration of CO2 in t... more Fens are underestimated carbon sinks. Knowledge about their role in the sequestration of CO2 in the past is limited. The research reported here focused on identifying long-term carbon accumulation rates (CARs) in a drained fen (Bagno Bruch) and a waterlogged fen (Bagno Mikołeska) in southern Poland. On the basis of 210Pb and AMS 14C dates and age–depth modeling, 7000- and 2000-year records of changes in bulk composition and carbon and sulfur content are presented and discussed. Strong human impact is detected, especially in Bagno Bruch. However, minor climatic signals linked to the ‘Little Ice Age’ and to the influence of wind-blown sands are also evident. The sand may have influenced the plant composition, peat accumulation rates (PARs), and CARs, in addition to the bulk composition at Bagno Mikołeska. The mean value of the CAR in the youngest peat layers spanning the last 200 years is generally lower in two cores from Bagno Bruch ( c. 85 and 86 g/m2/yr) than in two cores from Bagn...

Fens are underestimated carbon sinks. Knowledge about their role in the sequestration of CO 2 in ... more Fens are underestimated carbon sinks. Knowledge about their role in the sequestration of CO 2 in the past is limited. The research reported here focused on identifying long-term carbon accumulation rates (CARs) in a drained fen (Bagno Bruch) and a waterlogged fen (Bagno Mikołeska) in southern Poland. On the basis of 210 Pb and AMS 14 C dates and age-depth modeling, 7000-and 2000-year records of changes in bulk composition and carbon and sulfur content are presented and discussed. Strong human impact is detected, especially in Bagno Bruch. However, minor climatic signals linked to the 'Little Ice Age' and to the influence of wind-blown sands are also evident. The sand may have influenced the plant composition, peat accumulation rates (PARs), and CARs, in addition to the bulk composition at Bagno Mikołeska. The mean value of the CAR in the youngest peat layers spanning the last 200 years is generally lower in two cores from Bagno Bruch (c. 85 and 86 g/m 2 /yr) than in two cores from Bagno Mikołeska (c. 140 and 142 g/m 2 /yr). The fens are characterized by higher CARs compared with boreal peatlands. The reproducibility of the CAR values is the most promising result, suggesting the low mobility of 210 Pb and the reliability of this method in assessing the chronology of fens.

Environmental Pollution, 2013

and sharing with colleagues.

… 2010, held 2-7 May …, 2010

Peat bogs have a great potential to record anthropogenic inputs via their constituting mosses, be... more Peat bogs have a great potential to record anthropogenic inputs via their constituting mosses, because they draw their nutrients only from the atmosphere. These atmospheric inputs can be studied thanks to geochemical characteristics such as trace metal concentrations. Coupling lead isotopes to elemental geochemistry allows one to decipher between natural (erosion of rocks) and anthropogenic (pollution due to industrial development, vehicles...) inputs. The purpose of our work was to study the pollution history of trace metals in the region of Misten (Belgium) at a local and a regional level, and to place modern industrial pollution in this region in a wider historical perspective. Four peat cores (01W, 04W, 05W and 06W) were collected in 2008 in the Misten bog (Hautes-Fagnes plateau, E-Belgium) and studied for their trace metal and lead isotopic signatures. Analyses were accompanied by coupled 210Pb-14C age models in order to estimate the mercury and lead accumulation rates in each core and compare them to other European records. The Hg record was compared to the various anthropogenic sources as determined by Pb isotopes. The Hg concentration profiles resemble those of Pb, an element known to be immobile in peatlands. The correlation between these two metals suggests a predominant anthropogenic source of Hg (and Pb). In the W06 core, low and stable Hg accumulation rates (0.9-3.1 mug m-2 yr-1) are found in the lower layers (503-1823AD). High Hg accumulation rates are found in the surface and sub-surface layers (post-1823AD) and peak at 123.3 mug m-2 yr-1 (1969AD). In 01W, the lead enrichment factor (Pb E.F.) coupled with the continuous drop in 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, 208Pb/204Pb isotopic ratios since 539 AD until 1973AD indicates the growing importance of the non-radiogenic Pb released from anthropogenic activities. The highest concentrations of Pb (613-662 µg g-1) have been found near the surface of the bog dated between 1902 and 1954AD. The Pb E.F. also significantly increased during the Industrial Revolution, and subsequently decreased due to the phasing out of leaded gasoline. Main results for Pb in 01W and Hg in 06W will be compared with the 2 other cores and previously published results collected in 2007 at another location in the same peatland. Differences in concentrations and chronology will be discussed in terms of (1) differences in the topography of the bog, (2) differences in the surface vegetation of the bog, which could have led to differential trapping and retention of lead, for example, and different retention of vegetation during sampling at the sites where the corers were inserted, (3) different effects induced by the operating mechanism of the corers, (4) operator-induced effects, e.g. leading to loss of surface material before or during coring.

Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 2014

Jaroslaw Deciphering human-climate interactions in an ombrotrophic peat record: REE, Nd and Pb is... more Jaroslaw Deciphering human-climate interactions in an ombrotrophic peat record: REE, Nd and Pb isotope signatures of dust supplies over the last 2500 years (Misten bog, Belgium). (2014) Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, vol. 135 . pp. 288-306. ISSN 0016-7037 Open Archive TOULOUSE Archive Ouverte (OATAO)

Lead 210 and radiocarbon were measured on the uppermost 40 cm of a Wardenaar core retrieved from ... more Lead 210 and radiocarbon were measured on the uppermost 40 cm of a Wardenaar core retrieved from a Baltic raised bog at Slowinskie Bloto (Pomerania, North Poland). This site is the subject of ongoing multiproxy studies covering the last 1300 years. Radiocarbon ...

EGU General Assembly 2010, held 2-7 May, 2010 in Vienna, Austria, p. 4123, May 1, 2010

We present a multiproxy study carried out on a peat core retrieved from Slowinskie Blota bog (Pom... more We present a multiproxy study carried out on a peat core retrieved from Slowinskie Blota bog (Pomerania, N-Poland). Several organic (palynology, plant macrofossils, testate amoebae, d13C) and inorganic (elemental geochemistry, lead isotopes) proxies were coupled to 210Pb-14C age-modelling in order to discriminate climatic and anthropogenic signals. Reconstruction of dust fluxes through time has remained a challenge, especially for tracing the nature of climatic changes. Although the idea of enhanced erosion conditions ...

… 2010, held 2-7 May …, 2010

... Affiliation: AA(Silesian University of Technology, Institute of Physics, Department of Radioi... more ... Affiliation: AA(Silesian University of Technology, Institute of Physics, Department of Radioisotopes, Gliwice, Poland (natalia.piotrowska@polsl.pl)), AB(Silesian University of Technology, Institute of Physics, Department of Radioisotopes, Gliwice, Poland (natalia.piotrowska@polsl ...

Science of The Total Environment, 2009

Lead pollution history over Northern Poland was reconstructed for the last ca. 1300 years using t... more Lead pollution history over Northern Poland was reconstructed for the last ca. 1300 years using the elemental and Pb isotope geochemistry of a dated Polish peat bog. The data show that Polish Pb-Zn ores and coal were the main sources of Pb, other heavy metals and S over Northern Poland up until the industrial revolution. After review of the potential mobility of each element, most of the historical interpretation was based on Pb and Pb isotopes, the other chemical elements (Zn, Cu, Ni, S) being considered secondary indicators of pollution. During the last century, leaded gasoline also contributed to anthropogenic Pb pollution over Poland. Coal and Pb-Zn ores, however, remained important sources of pollution in Eastern European countries during the last 50 years, as demonstrated by a high 206 Pb/ 207 Pb ratio (1.153) relative to that of Western Europe (ca. 1.10). The Pb data for the last century were also in good agreement with modelled Pb inventories over Poland and the Baltic region.

This paper presents the results of the first isotopic investigations of sediments recovered from ... more This paper presents the results of the first isotopic investigations of sediments recovered from Lake Wigry (NE-Poland). In the spring/summer 2002 few sediment cores, plant samples and water profiles were collected specially for isotopic investigations. We obtained 210 Pb activity profiles, 137 Cs activity profiles and 14 C activity/age profiles. Apparent ages of carbonate fraction for all sediment cores were determined. Sedimentation rates for collected cores were estimated using 14 C dating method. In addition oxygen isotopic ratios of the water profiles, carbon stable isotopes ratio of collected sediment cores were determined.

The Holocene, 2014

Fens are underestimated carbon sinks. Knowledge about their role in the sequestration of CO2 in t... more Fens are underestimated carbon sinks. Knowledge about their role in the sequestration of CO2 in the past is limited. The research reported here focused on identifying long-term carbon accumulation rates (CARs) in a drained fen (Bagno Bruch) and a waterlogged fen (Bagno Mikołeska) in southern Poland. On the basis of 210Pb and AMS 14C dates and age–depth modeling, 7000- and 2000-year records of changes in bulk composition and carbon and sulfur content are presented and discussed. Strong human impact is detected, especially in Bagno Bruch. However, minor climatic signals linked to the ‘Little Ice Age’ and to the influence of wind-blown sands are also evident. The sand may have influenced the plant composition, peat accumulation rates (PARs), and CARs, in addition to the bulk composition at Bagno Mikołeska. The mean value of the CAR in the youngest peat layers spanning the last 200 years is generally lower in two cores from Bagno Bruch ( c. 85 and 86 g/m2/yr) than in two cores from Bagn...

The Holocene, 2014

Fens are underestimated carbon sinks. Knowledge about their role in the sequestration of CO2 in t... more Fens are underestimated carbon sinks. Knowledge about their role in the sequestration of CO2 in the past is limited. The research reported here focused on identifying long-term carbon accumulation rates (CARs) in a drained fen (Bagno Bruch) and a waterlogged fen (Bagno Mikołeska) in southern Poland. On the basis of 210Pb and AMS 14C dates and age–depth modeling, 7000- and 2000-year records of changes in bulk composition and carbon and sulfur content are presented and discussed. Strong human impact is detected, especially in Bagno Bruch. However, minor climatic signals linked to the ‘Little Ice Age’ and to the influence of wind-blown sands are also evident. The sand may have influenced the plant composition, peat accumulation rates (PARs), and CARs, in addition to the bulk composition at Bagno Mikołeska. The mean value of the CAR in the youngest peat layers spanning the last 200 years is generally lower in two cores from Bagno Bruch ( c. 85 and 86 g/m2/yr) than in two cores from Bagn...

Fens are underestimated carbon sinks. Knowledge about their role in the sequestration of CO 2 in ... more Fens are underestimated carbon sinks. Knowledge about their role in the sequestration of CO 2 in the past is limited. The research reported here focused on identifying long-term carbon accumulation rates (CARs) in a drained fen (Bagno Bruch) and a waterlogged fen (Bagno Mikołeska) in southern Poland. On the basis of 210 Pb and AMS 14 C dates and age-depth modeling, 7000-and 2000-year records of changes in bulk composition and carbon and sulfur content are presented and discussed. Strong human impact is detected, especially in Bagno Bruch. However, minor climatic signals linked to the 'Little Ice Age' and to the influence of wind-blown sands are also evident. The sand may have influenced the plant composition, peat accumulation rates (PARs), and CARs, in addition to the bulk composition at Bagno Mikołeska. The mean value of the CAR in the youngest peat layers spanning the last 200 years is generally lower in two cores from Bagno Bruch (c. 85 and 86 g/m 2 /yr) than in two cores from Bagno Mikołeska (c. 140 and 142 g/m 2 /yr). The fens are characterized by higher CARs compared with boreal peatlands. The reproducibility of the CAR values is the most promising result, suggesting the low mobility of 210 Pb and the reliability of this method in assessing the chronology of fens.

Environmental Pollution, 2013

and sharing with colleagues.

… 2010, held 2-7 May …, 2010

Peat bogs have a great potential to record anthropogenic inputs via their constituting mosses, be... more Peat bogs have a great potential to record anthropogenic inputs via their constituting mosses, because they draw their nutrients only from the atmosphere. These atmospheric inputs can be studied thanks to geochemical characteristics such as trace metal concentrations. Coupling lead isotopes to elemental geochemistry allows one to decipher between natural (erosion of rocks) and anthropogenic (pollution due to industrial development, vehicles...) inputs. The purpose of our work was to study the pollution history of trace metals in the region of Misten (Belgium) at a local and a regional level, and to place modern industrial pollution in this region in a wider historical perspective. Four peat cores (01W, 04W, 05W and 06W) were collected in 2008 in the Misten bog (Hautes-Fagnes plateau, E-Belgium) and studied for their trace metal and lead isotopic signatures. Analyses were accompanied by coupled 210Pb-14C age models in order to estimate the mercury and lead accumulation rates in each core and compare them to other European records. The Hg record was compared to the various anthropogenic sources as determined by Pb isotopes. The Hg concentration profiles resemble those of Pb, an element known to be immobile in peatlands. The correlation between these two metals suggests a predominant anthropogenic source of Hg (and Pb). In the W06 core, low and stable Hg accumulation rates (0.9-3.1 mug m-2 yr-1) are found in the lower layers (503-1823AD). High Hg accumulation rates are found in the surface and sub-surface layers (post-1823AD) and peak at 123.3 mug m-2 yr-1 (1969AD). In 01W, the lead enrichment factor (Pb E.F.) coupled with the continuous drop in 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, 208Pb/204Pb isotopic ratios since 539 AD until 1973AD indicates the growing importance of the non-radiogenic Pb released from anthropogenic activities. The highest concentrations of Pb (613-662 µg g-1) have been found near the surface of the bog dated between 1902 and 1954AD. The Pb E.F. also significantly increased during the Industrial Revolution, and subsequently decreased due to the phasing out of leaded gasoline. Main results for Pb in 01W and Hg in 06W will be compared with the 2 other cores and previously published results collected in 2007 at another location in the same peatland. Differences in concentrations and chronology will be discussed in terms of (1) differences in the topography of the bog, (2) differences in the surface vegetation of the bog, which could have led to differential trapping and retention of lead, for example, and different retention of vegetation during sampling at the sites where the corers were inserted, (3) different effects induced by the operating mechanism of the corers, (4) operator-induced effects, e.g. leading to loss of surface material before or during coring.

Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 2014

Jaroslaw Deciphering human-climate interactions in an ombrotrophic peat record: REE, Nd and Pb is... more Jaroslaw Deciphering human-climate interactions in an ombrotrophic peat record: REE, Nd and Pb isotope signatures of dust supplies over the last 2500 years (Misten bog, Belgium). (2014) Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, vol. 135 . pp. 288-306. ISSN 0016-7037 Open Archive TOULOUSE Archive Ouverte (OATAO)

Lead 210 and radiocarbon were measured on the uppermost 40 cm of a Wardenaar core retrieved from ... more Lead 210 and radiocarbon were measured on the uppermost 40 cm of a Wardenaar core retrieved from a Baltic raised bog at Slowinskie Bloto (Pomerania, North Poland). This site is the subject of ongoing multiproxy studies covering the last 1300 years. Radiocarbon ...

EGU General Assembly 2010, held 2-7 May, 2010 in Vienna, Austria, p. 4123, May 1, 2010

We present a multiproxy study carried out on a peat core retrieved from Slowinskie Blota bog (Pom... more We present a multiproxy study carried out on a peat core retrieved from Slowinskie Blota bog (Pomerania, N-Poland). Several organic (palynology, plant macrofossils, testate amoebae, d13C) and inorganic (elemental geochemistry, lead isotopes) proxies were coupled to 210Pb-14C age-modelling in order to discriminate climatic and anthropogenic signals. Reconstruction of dust fluxes through time has remained a challenge, especially for tracing the nature of climatic changes. Although the idea of enhanced erosion conditions ...

… 2010, held 2-7 May …, 2010

... Affiliation: AA(Silesian University of Technology, Institute of Physics, Department of Radioi... more ... Affiliation: AA(Silesian University of Technology, Institute of Physics, Department of Radioisotopes, Gliwice, Poland (natalia.piotrowska@polsl.pl)), AB(Silesian University of Technology, Institute of Physics, Department of Radioisotopes, Gliwice, Poland (natalia.piotrowska@polsl ...

Science of The Total Environment, 2009

Lead pollution history over Northern Poland was reconstructed for the last ca. 1300 years using t... more Lead pollution history over Northern Poland was reconstructed for the last ca. 1300 years using the elemental and Pb isotope geochemistry of a dated Polish peat bog. The data show that Polish Pb-Zn ores and coal were the main sources of Pb, other heavy metals and S over Northern Poland up until the industrial revolution. After review of the potential mobility of each element, most of the historical interpretation was based on Pb and Pb isotopes, the other chemical elements (Zn, Cu, Ni, S) being considered secondary indicators of pollution. During the last century, leaded gasoline also contributed to anthropogenic Pb pollution over Poland. Coal and Pb-Zn ores, however, remained important sources of pollution in Eastern European countries during the last 50 years, as demonstrated by a high 206 Pb/ 207 Pb ratio (1.153) relative to that of Western Europe (ca. 1.10). The Pb data for the last century were also in good agreement with modelled Pb inventories over Poland and the Baltic region.

This paper presents the results of the first isotopic investigations of sediments recovered from ... more This paper presents the results of the first isotopic investigations of sediments recovered from Lake Wigry (NE-Poland). In the spring/summer 2002 few sediment cores, plant samples and water profiles were collected specially for isotopic investigations. We obtained 210 Pb activity profiles, 137 Cs activity profiles and 14 C activity/age profiles. Apparent ages of carbonate fraction for all sediment cores were determined. Sedimentation rates for collected cores were estimated using 14 C dating method. In addition oxygen isotopic ratios of the water profiles, carbon stable isotopes ratio of collected sediment cores were determined.