Heavy metals distribution and atmospheric quality in Argentina employing Tillandsia capillaris as biomonitor.

PIGNATA, M.L; GUDIÑO, G.; WANNAZ, E.; PLA, R.; GONZALEZ, C.M.; CARRERAS, H; ORELLANA, L.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

ELSEVIER SCI LTD

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2002

0269-7491

The atmospheric quality and distribution of heavy metals were evaluated throughout a wide region of Argentina. In addition, thebiomonitor performance of Tillandsia capillaris Ruiz & Pav. f. capillaris was studied in relation to the accumulation of heavy metalsand to its physiologic response to air pollutants.A sampling area of 50,000 km2 was selected in the central region of the Argentine Republic. This area was subdivided into gridsof 2525 km. Pools of T. capillaris, where present, were collected at each intersection point. From each pool three sub-samples wereanalyzed independently. Furthermore, five replicates were collected at 20% of the points in order to analyze the variability withinthe site.The content of Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Chemical-physiologicalparameters were also determined to detect symptoms of foliar damage. Chlorophylls, phaeophytins, hydroperoxy conjugateddienes, malondialdehyde and sulfur were quantified in T. capillaris. Some of these parameters were used to calculate a foliar damageindex. Data sets were evaluated by one-way ANOVA, correlation analysis, principal component analysis and mapping.Geographical distribution patterns were obtained for the different metals reflecting the contribution of natural and anthropogenicemission sources. According to our results it can be inferred that Fe, Mn and Co probably originated in the soil.For Pb, the highest values were found in the mountainous area, which can be attributed to the presence of Pb in the graniticrocks. Ni showed mainly an anthropogenic origin, with higher values found in places next to industrial centers. For Zn the highestvalues were in areas of agricultural development. The same was observed for Cu, whose presence could be related to the employmentof pesticides.The foliar damage index distribution map showed that the central and southeastern zones were the ones where the major damagein the bioindicator was found. The central zone coincides with the city of Co´ rdoba whereas the southeastern area is strictly agricultural,so the high values found there could be related to the use of pesticides.