Biomonitoring of heavy metals and air quality in Cordoba City, Argentina, using transplanted lichens

CARRERAS, H; PIGNATA, M.L

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

ELSEVIER SCI LTD

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2002

0269-7491

The objective of the present study was to test the concentrations of some elements in the transplanted lichen Usnea amblyocladatransplanted in Co´ rdoba, Argentina, and to investigate the relative air quality of the area as indicated by a Pollution Index. Analysesof Cu, Co, Pb, Fe, Ni, Mn, S and Zn in addition to analyses of physiological parameters were performed after the transplantationperiod. No significant differences were observed among the sampling stations for the physiological parameters, exceptthe dry weight/fresh weight ratio. The concentration of most elements was similar to or lower than those found in non-polluted andeven polluted areas. The significant correlation found between Cu, Pb and Zn with the content of hydroperoxy conjugated dienessuggests an important oxidative effect probably caused by these ions. The distribution patterns of the elements were quite similar,with maximum values around a cement plant and the metallurgical industries. The Pollution Index distribution pattern does notcoincide with the elements distribution, due to the fact that the index values probably reflected the emissions of gaseous phytotoxicpollutants. # 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.