Elemental concentrations in needles from individual Scots pine trees (Pinus sylvestris L.) from four different sites in Latvia were determined. P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb and Sr were simultaneously determined by total-reflection x-ray fluorescence and Cr, Co, Ni, Cd, Pb were measured using multi-element graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The elemental concentrations obtained after washing the pine needles with water and with chloroform were compared with those obtained without washing. Chloroform was a more effective washing agent for the removal of airborne deposits from the surface of the needles. The comparison of the chemical compositions of pine needles that were unwashed or washed with chloroform allowed the trace elements in and on the needles to be distinguished for an evaluation of the character of pollution.

Elemental concentrations in needles from individual Scots pine trees (Pinus sylvestris L.) from four different sites in Latvia were determined. P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb and Sr were simultaneously determined by total‐reflection x‐ray fluorescence and Cr, Co, Ni, Cd, Pb were measured using multi‐element graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The elemental concentrations obtained after washing the pine needles with water and with chloroform were compared with those obtained without washing. Chloroform was a more effective washing agent for the removal of airborne deposits from the surface of the needles. The comparison of the chemical compositions of pine needles that were unwashed or washed with chloroform allowed the trace elements in and on the needles to be distinguished for an evaluation of the character of pollution. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.