Distribution of atmospheric trace elements and air quality in Argentina employing the lichen Ramalina celastri as a passive biomonitor. Detection of air pollution emission sources

PIGNATA ML,; PLÁ, R.R.; MARTÍNEZ, M.S.; JASAN, R.; RODRÍGUEZ, J.H.; WANNAZ, E.D.; GUDIÑO, G.L.; CARRERAS, H.A.; GONZÁLEZ, C.M.

International Journal of Environment and Health

lnderscience Enterprises Ltd.

Lugar: SWITZERLAND; Año: 2007 vol. 1 p. 29 - 46

1743-4955

Ramalina celastri was used as a passive biomonitor to study therelationship between elemental accumulation, emission sources andphysiochemical parameters used as air pollution biomarkers in Argentina. Theconcentration of 27 elements was determined in the thalli by NeutronActivation Analysis (NAA). The content of photosynthetic pigments,peroxidation products, water and sulphur was determined and a Pollution Index(PI) was calculated. Factor analysis was used to locate the possible emissionsources of elements. Overall, the elemental concentrations were similar to otherbiomonitoring studies. The higher levels of arsenic were related to the soilparticulate matter, which is characteristically rich in this element. High uraniumconcentrations were found near a uranium mine and elevated levels of zincwere found in areas congested with heavy traffic. Although there is no directrelationship found between the physiological parameters and the elementalconcentrations, the geographical distribution of the PI allowed to detect areaswith increased lichen damage.