Multi-Element Analysis of Plant Leaves as a Way of Assessing the Levels of Urban Air Pollution

SARAN ANABEL; MUCH DIEGO GABRIEL; MENDEZ M J; MERINI LUCIANO JOSE

Montevideo

Congreso; Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. SETAC Latin America 15th Biennial Meeting. Montevideo Uruguay del 17 al 20; 2023

Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) remains a serious issue in developed and developing countries. Despite the marked impact of air quality on health, studies of air pollution have often been limited by the high cost of monitoring instruments and the difficulty of conducting extensive sampling in space and time. Furthermore, these particles are often enriched in potentially toxic trace elements. For these reasons, many researchers are interested on using bio-monitoring methods. In this context, the current study evaluates the temporal leaf accumulation and composition of atmospheric dust in Hedera sp. and Cineraria maritima plants species. Plants were located near automatic monitors in four outdoor places with different anthropogenic PM contribution. Different analytical techniques, as ED-XRF, SEM-EDX, ICP and gravimetric deposition were applied for this study. The analysis showed that, although concentrations in air did not exceed WHO guidelines for PM 10 and 2.5, several metals were found enriching PM deposited in leaves.Mostly Ti was found in high concentrations, probably due to white paint dust, associated with construction activities around the locations. Based on its high capability to sequester PM, we recommend Cineraria maritima specie to be used as bioindicator or even in mitigation strategies such as green belts.