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 RR, MARTÍNEZ MS, JASAN RC, RODRÍGUEZ JH, WANNAZ ED, GUDIÑO GL, CARRERAS HA, GONZÁLEZ CM.

International Journal of Environment and Health

Año: 2006 p. 1 - 1

1743-4955

Ramalina celastri was used as passive biomonitor to study the relationship between elemental accumulation, emission sources and chemical-physiological parameters used as air pollution biomarkers in Argentina. The concentration of twenty-seven elements was determined in the thalli by Neutron Activation Analysis. The content of photosynthetic pigments, peroxidation products, water and sulphur was determined and a pollution index was calculated. Factor analysis was used to locate the possible emission sources of elements. Overall, the elemental concentrations were similar to other biomonitoring studies. The higher levels of As were related to the soil particulate matter which is characteristically rich in this element. High uranium concentrations were found near an uranium mine and elevated levels of Zn were found in traffic congested areas. Although no direct relation was found between the physiological parameters and the elemental concentration, the geographical distribution of the pollution index allowed detecting areas with increased lichen damage.