Accumulation of aluminium and physiological status of tree foliage in the vicinity of a large aluminium smelter

WANNAZ, E.D.; RODRIGUEZ, J. H.; WOLFSBERGER, T.; CARRERAS, H. A.; PIGNATA, M.L.; FANGMEIER, A.; FRANZARING, J.

SCIENTIFIC WORLD JOURNAL, THE

THESCIENTIFICWORLD LTD

Año: 2012

1537-744X

A pollution gradient was observed in tree foliage sampled in the vicinity of a large aluminium production 18 facility in Patagonia (Argentina). Leaves of Eucalyptus rostrata, Populus hybridus and different needle 19 ages of Pinus spec. were collected and concentrations of aluminium (Al) and sulphur (S) as well as 20 physiological parameters (Chlorophyll and lipid oxidation products) were analyzed. Al and S- 21 concentrations indicate a steep pollution gradient in the study area but physiological parameters were 22 unrelated to these elements. The present study confirms that aluminium smelting results in high Al and 23 sulphur deposition in the study area and therefore further studies should be carried out taking into account 24 potentially adverse effects of these compounds on human and ecosystem health.