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Chaudhuri S, Roy M. Global ambient air quality monitoring: Can mosses help? A systematic meta-analysis of literature about passive moss biomonitoring. ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY 2023:1-39. [PMID: 37363020 PMCID: PMC9970857 DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-03043-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Surging incidents of air quality-related public health hazards, and environmental degradation, have prompted the global authorities to seek newer avenues of air quality monitoring, especially in developing economies, where the situation appears most alarming besides difficulties around 'adequate' deployment of air quality sensors. In the present narrative, we adopt a systematic review methodology (PRISMA, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) around recent global literature (2002-2022), around moss-based passive biomonitoring approaches which might offer the regulatory authorities a complementary means to fill 'gaps' in existing air quality records. Following the 4-phased search procedure under PRISMA, total of 123 documents were selected for review. A wealth of research demonstrates how passive biomonitoring, with strategic use of mosses, could become an invaluable regulatory (and research) tool to monitor atmospheric deposition patterns and help identifying the main drivers of air quality changes (e.g., anthropogenic and/or natural). Besides individual studies, we briefly reflect on the European Moss Survey, underway since 1990, which aptly showcases mosses as 'naturally occurring' sensors of ambient air quality for a slew of metals (heavy and trace) and persistent organic pollutants, and help assessing spatio-temporal changes therein. To that end, we urge the global research community to conduct targeted research around various pollutant uptake mechanisms by mosses (e.g., species-specific interactions, environmental conditions, land management practices). Of late, mosses have found various environmental applications as well, such as in epidemiological investigations, identification of pollutant sources and transport mechanisms, assessment of air quality in diverse and complex urban ecosystems, and even detecting short-term changes in ambient air quality (e.g., COVID-19 Lockdown), each being critical for the authorities to develop informed and strategic regulatory measures. To that end, we review current literature and highlight to the regulatory authorities how to extend moss-based observations, by integrating them with a wide range of ecological indicators to assess regional environmental vulnerability/risk due to degrading air quality. Overall, an underlying motive behind this narrative was to broaden the current regulatory outlook and purview, to bolster and diversify existing air quality monitoring initiatives, by coupling the moss-based outputs with the traditional, sensor-based datasets, and attain improved spatial representation. However, we also make a strong case of conducting more targeted research to fill in the 'gaps' in our current understanding of moss-based passive biomonitoring details, with increased case studies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10668-023-03043-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriroop Chaudhuri
- Jindal School of Liberal Arts and Humanities; Center for Environment, Sustainability and Human Development (CESH), O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana 131001 India
| | - Mimi Roy
- Jindal School of Liberal Arts and Humanities; Center for Environment, Sustainability and Human Development (CESH), O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana 131001 India
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Diener A, Mudu P. How can vegetation protect us from air pollution? A critical review on green spaces' mitigation abilities for air-borne particles from a public health perspective - with implications for urban planning. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 796:148605. [PMID: 34271387 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution causes the largest death toll among environmental risks globally, but interventions to purify ambient air remain inadequate. Vegetation and green spaces have shown reductive effects on air-borne pollutants concentrations, especially of particulate matter (PM). Guidance on green space utilisation for air quality control remains scarce, however, as does its application in practise. To strengthen the foundation for research and interventions, we undertook a critical review of the state of science from a public health perspective. We used inter-disciplinary search strategies for published reviews on green spaces and air pollution in key scientific databases. Using the PRISMA checklist, we systematically identified reviews with quantitative analyses. For each of the presented PM mitigation mechanisms, we conducted additional searches focused on the most recent articles published between 2016 and early 2021. The included reviews differentiate three mitigation mechanisms of green spaces for PM: deposition, dispersion and modification. The most studied mechanism is deposition, particularly measures of mass and settling velocity of PM on plant leaves. We consolidate how green space setups differ by scale and context in their potentials to reduce peak exposures, stationary (point) or mobile (line) pollution sources, and the potentially most harmful PM components. The assessed findings suggest diverse optimisation options for green space interventions, particularly concerning plant selection, spatial setup, ventilation and maintenance - all alongside the consideration of supplementary vegetation effects like on temperature or water. Green spaces' reductive effects on air-borne PM concentrations are considerable, multi-mechanistic and varied by scale, context and vegetation characteristics. Such effect-modifying factors must be considered when rethinking public space design, as accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Weak linkages amid involved disciplines motivate the development of a research framework to strengthen health-oriented guidance. We conclude on an urgent need for an integrated and risk-based approach to PM mitigation through green space interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnt Diener
- European Centre for Environment and Health, Regional Office for Europe, World Health Organization, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany; Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University of Düsseldorf, Gurlittstr 55/II, 40223 Düsseldorf, North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany.
| | - Pierpaolo Mudu
- Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; European Centre for Environment and Health, Regional Office for Europe, World Health Organization, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany
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3
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Gioda A, Beringui K, Justo EPS, Ventura LMB, Massone CG, Costa SSL, Oliveira SS, Araujo RGO, Nascimento NDM, Severino HGS, Duyck CB, de Souza JR, Saint Pierre TD. A Review on Atmospheric Analysis Focusing on Public Health, Environmental Legislation and Chemical Characterization. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2021; 52:1772-1794. [PMID: 34092145 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2021.1919985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Atmospheric pollution has been considered one of the most important topics in environmental science once it can be related to the incidence of respiratory diseases, climate change, and others. Knowing the composition of this complex and variable mixture of gases and particulate matter is crucial to understand the damages it causes, help establish limit levels, reduce emissions, and mitigate risks. In this work, the current scenario of the legislation and guideline values for indoor and outdoor atmospheric parameters will be reviewed, focusing on the inorganic and organic compositions of particulate matter and on biomonitoring. Considering the concentration level of the contaminants in air and the physical aspects (meteorological conditions) involved in the dispersion of these contaminants, different approaches for air sampling and analysis have been developed in recent years. Finally, this review presents the importance of data analysis, whose main objective is to transform analytical results into reliable information about the significance of anthropic activities in air pollution and its possible sources. This information is a useful tool to help the government implement actions against atmospheric air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Gioda
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Karmel Beringui
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Elizanne P S Justo
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luciana M B Ventura
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Instituto Estadual do Ambiente (INEA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos G Massone
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Silvânio Silvério Lopes Costa
- Núcleo de Petróleo e Gás, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil.,Departamento de Química Analítica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Sidimar Santos Oliveira
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Rennan Geovanny Oliveira Araujo
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia do CNPq - INCT de Energia e Ambiente, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Nivia de M Nascimento
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Departamento de Geoquímica e Departamento de Química Analítica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Hemmely Guilhermond S Severino
- Departamento de Geoquímica e Departamento de Química Analítica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Christiane B Duyck
- Departamento de Geoquímica e Departamento de Química Analítica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jefferson Rodrigues de Souza
- Laboratório de Ciências Químicas, Universidade Estadual Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tatiana D Saint Pierre
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Fortuna L, Incerti G, Da Re D, Mazzilis D, Tretiach M. Validation of particulate dispersion models by native lichens as point receptors: a case study from NE Italy. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:13384-13395. [PMID: 32020451 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-07859-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric dispersion model (ADM) simulations are increasingly used as management tools in air pollution monitoring programs, even in the absence of proper validation. Biomonitors can provide important information for ADM validation, but an open question is their temporal frame of application, particularly when native organisms are used. In this study, we tested two alternative ADM simulating the total suspended particulate (TSP) released by a coal power station, against the element content of two native lichens collected at 40 sites, integrated by soil samples. The ADM simulations differed by the time references: the 6-month period preceding lichen sampling, approximately corresponding to the estimated age of the samples (Mod. A), and the whole year 2005, representative of the local average conditions and used in the plant authorization processes (Mod. B). A generalized regression model analysis clearly showed that the Cr, Pb and V content of lichen samples was spatially associated to the outcomes of Mod. A, but not with Mod. B. Interestingly, the Cr content of lichen samples consistently correlated to TSP concentration predicted by Mod. A along two transects placed downwind from the coal power station. This result was corroborated by an air particulate matter sampling which pointed out that air Cr concentrations increased during the operative period of the source. Overall, our results suggest that lichen bioaccumulation data can proficiently be used to validate ADM simulations if the exposure time of the biological samples is consistent with the temporal domain of the ADM simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Fortuna
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri, 10, I-34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Guido Incerti
- Department of Agri-Food, Animal and Environmental Sciences, University of Udine, Via delle Scienze, 206, I-33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Daniele Da Re
- Earth and Life Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Denis Mazzilis
- Laboratorio Analisi Matrici ambientali e Matrici Sanitarie, Agenzia Regionale per la Prevenzione dell'Ambiente, Via Colugna, 42, I-33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Mauro Tretiach
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri, 10, I-34127, Trieste, Italy.
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Markert B, Delakowitz B, Fränzle S, Wünschmann S. Quality means decency-on the quality of teaching through accreditation of the course? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:11940-11948. [PMID: 26498822 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5599-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The term "accreditation" applies to the attempts in various fields of scientific work and administration. It refers to an acknowledgement of some particular positive (wanted) property being present in or brought about by either a procedure or technical system, an acknowledgement which is then formally issued by some authority generally accepted to be able to prove and file such statements. Bioindication & Biomonitoring (B&B) technologies are highly influenced by accreditation procedures, because both B&B technologies are often related to accreditation during the overall instrumental measurement processes applied. As an example, tuna fish used for (bio) monitoring salt water systems on pollution by Pb will be presented. Analytical measurement results from the International Measurement Evaluation Programme (IMEP 20) and additionally the construction of the university course "Integrative sustainable management: quality, environmental, health, safety and risk management (QUAR)" are reviewed in this respect. It was a serious finding by the multi-participant IMEP study that neither quality control measures nor accreditation actually ensure improved quality of measurement results, i.e. data produced by analytical laboratories. Accordingly, even though the accreditation of study curricula is often done with utmost diligence and precision, and while it is fairly important for making study curricula throughout Europe (and the World) fitting and comparable to each other to get study results produced and tested at university X also be accepted when changing to university Y, we cannot assume or take for granted that the mere protocol of accreditation will do anything positive to improve the chance to get better or "more correct" results. A single member of lab staff or professor changing to some other position might seriously compromise the turnout of some analytical lab or university course at least in the short term regardless of whether accreditation was done or not. As consequence, data obtained by B&B technologies have to be discussed and handled with the highest care to reach acceptable and scientifically sound goals of quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Markert
- Environmental Institute of Scientific Networks (EISN-Institute.de), Fliederweg 17, Haren/Erika, 49733, Germany.
| | - Bernd Delakowitz
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Applied Sciences, Theodor-Körner-Allee 16, Zittau, 02763, Germany
| | - Stefan Fränzle
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Dresden, International Graduate School Zittau Research Group of Environmental Chemistry, Markt 23, Zittau, 02763, Germany
| | - Simone Wünschmann
- Environmental Institute of Scientific Networks (EISN-Institute.de), Fliederweg 17, Haren/Erika, 49733, Germany
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6
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Alvarez AM, Estévez Alvarez JR, do Nascimento CWA, González IP, Rizo OD, Carzola LL, Torres RA, Pascual JG. Lead isotope ratios in lichen samples evaluated by ICP-ToF-MS to assess possible atmospheric pollution sources in Havana, Cuba. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2017; 189:28. [PMID: 28000124 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5739-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Epiphytic lichens, collected from 119 sampling sites grown over "Roistonea Royal Palm" trees, were used to assess the spatial distribution pattern of lead (Pb) and identify possible pollution sources in Havana (Cuba). Lead concentrations in lichens and topsoils were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) atomic emission spectrometry, respectively, while Pb in crude oils and gasoline samples were measured by ICP-time of flight mass spectrometry (ICP-ToF-MS). Lead isotopic ratios measurements for lichens, soils, and crude oils were obtained by ICP-ToF-MS. We found that enrichment factors (EF) reflected a moderate contamination for 71% of the samples (EF > 10). The 206Pb/207Pb ratio values for lichens ranged from 1.17 to 1.20 and were a mixture of natural radiogenic and industrial activities (e.g., crude oils and fire plants). The low concentration of Pb found in gasoline (<7.0 μg L-1) confirms the official statement that leaded gasoline is no longer used in Cuba.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Montero Alvarez
- Center of Technological Applications and Nuclear Development, Calle 30 N° 502, Miramar, Playa, Havana, Cuba
| | - Juan R Estévez Alvarez
- Center of Technological Applications and Nuclear Development, Calle 30 N° 502, Miramar, Playa, Havana, Cuba
| | | | - Iván Pupo González
- High Institute of Technologies and Applied Sciences, Ave. Salvador Allende, Plaza de la Revolución, Havana, Cuba
| | - Oscar Díaz Rizo
- High Institute of Technologies and Applied Sciences, Ave. Salvador Allende, Plaza de la Revolución, Havana, Cuba
| | - Lázaro Lima Carzola
- High Institute of Technologies and Applied Sciences, Ave. Salvador Allende, Plaza de la Revolución, Havana, Cuba
| | - Roberto Ayllón Torres
- High Institute of Technologies and Applied Sciences, Ave. Salvador Allende, Plaza de la Revolución, Havana, Cuba
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Dalvand A, Jahangiri A, Iranmanesh J. Introduce lichen Lepraria incana as biomonitor of Cesium-137 from Ramsar, northern Iran. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2016; 160:36-41. [PMID: 27132251 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2016] [Revised: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Lichens have been used as biomonitors of airborne radionuclides released in conjunction with nuclear bomb testing as well as nuclear power plant accidents. The potential of lichens for monitoringof radionuclides has been well documented. However, there are no studies that determine natural and artificial radionuclide monitoring by lichens, in Iran. Thus, as a first step, we have conducted a comparison of (137)Csactivity concentration capacity of three epiphytic lichen species including Lepraria incana, Xanthoria parietina and Ramalina farinacea from Ramsar Northern Iran. In this work, accumulation capacity of (137)Cs was determined in 36 lichen samples using a gamma spectrometer equipped with a high purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The results showed that highest accumulation capacity of (137)Cs in the lichen species was found in Lepraria incana and Xanthoria parietina, 30.2, 9.8 Bq/kg respectively, and lowest average accumulation capacity were found in Ramalina farinacea 2.7 Bq/kg (dry weight). This study showed that activity concentration (137)Cs is in crustose > foliose > fruticose lichens in the same biotope. Thus, crustose lichens are capable to accumulate higher (137)Cs than foliose and fruticose species because of different factors such as special morphological characteristics in these species and large surface/volume ratio or longer biological half-life of (137)Cs in lichen Lepraria incana. Therefore, Lepraria incana due to high concentration capability of (137)Cs (approximately 3 and 11 time higher than Xanthoria parietina and Ramalina farinacea, respectively), is introduced as biomonitor of Cesium-137 from Ramsar, North of Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Dalvand
- Dept of Earth Sciences, University of Tabriz, Iran
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Application of Neutron Activation Analysis for Determination of As, Cr, Hg, and Se in Mosses in the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Toluca, Mexico. J CHEM-NY 2015. [DOI: 10.1155/2015/278326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This research presents a study of environmental monitoring at different sampling sites from the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Toluca (MAVT), Mexico, using mosses (Leskea angustata(Tayl.) andFabronia ciliaris(Brid.)) and soil samples. The epiphytic mosses and soils were sampled in two campaigns within two periods of the year, a rainy and dry-cold season. The selected sampling sites included urban regions (UR), transitional regions (TR), and protected natural areas (PA). The samples were analyzed by the Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) to determine As, Cr, Hg, and Se principally. However, due to the versatility of the analytic technique used, other elements including Cs, Co, Sc, Sb, Rb, Ce, La, Eu, and Yb were also detected. Statistical analysis (As, Cr, Hg, and Se) was carried out with principal components and cluster analysis methods; this revealed that a good correlation exists between metal content in mosses and the degree of pollution in the areas sampled. The obtained results in mosses showed that the concentrations of As, Cr, Co, Cs, Rb, Ce, La, and Yb increased with respect to the concentrations obtained during the first sampling, whereas Se, Sc, Sb and Eu, concentrations were decreased. For As and Hg, the concentrations were similar in both sampling periods. The soil samples present the most significant concentration.
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Ejidike IP, Onianwa PC. Assessment of Trace Metals Concentration in Tree Barks as Indicator of Atmospheric Pollution within Ibadan City, South-West, Nigeria. JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL METHODS IN CHEMISTRY 2015; 2015:243601. [PMID: 26605104 PMCID: PMC4641196 DOI: 10.1155/2015/243601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Revised: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/13/2015] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Tree bark species were randomly collected from 65 sites having different anthropogenic activities, such as industrial, high traffic commercial, residential high and residential low traffic volume areas of Ibadan City, Nigeria. Levels of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Co, and Cr of the dry-ashed bark samples were determined by AAS. The mean metal concentrations (mg kg(-1)) in samples from industrial zone were found as Pb: 3.67 ± 1.97, Cd: 0.10 ± 0.07, Zn: 30.96 ± 32.05, Cu: 7.29 ± 5.17, Co: 0.91 ± 0.58, and Cr: 2.61 ± 1.84. The trend of mean trace metal concentrations at high traffic commercial zone follows the order: Zn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Co > Cd. Residential high traffic and low traffic zones revealed the same trend as Cd < Co < Cr < Pb < Cu < Zn. Relatively strong positive correlation between the heavy metals at ρ < 0.05, such as Zn versus Cu (r = 0.79) and Co versus Cu (r = 0.77), was observed. The results of the study suggest that tree bark samples could potentially serve as bioindicators for Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, and possibly Co and Cd. Furthermore, interspecies variation of heavy metal concentrations in plants barks is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikechukwu P. Ejidike
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, PB X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa
- *Ikechukwu P. Ejidike:
| | - Percy C. Onianwa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Markert B, Baltrėnaitė E, Chudzińska E, De Marco S, Diatta J, Ghaffari Z, Gorelova S, Marcovecchio J, Tabors G, Wang M, Yousef N, Fraenzle S, Wuenschmann S. Multilingual education of students on a global scale and perspective-international networking on the example of bioindication and biomonitoring (B&B technologies). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 21:5450-5456. [PMID: 24453011 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-2132-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Living or formerly living organisms are being used to obtain information on the quality of the general health status of our environment by bioindication and biomonitoring methods for many decades. Thus, different roads toward this common scientific goal were developed by a lot of different international research groups. Global cooperation in between various scientific teams throughout the world has produced common ideas, scientific definitions, and highly innovative results of this extremely attractive working field. The transdisciplinary approach of different and multifaceted scientific areas-starting from biology, analytical chemistry, via health physics, up to social and economic issues-have surpassed mental barriers of individual scientists, so that "production" of straightforward common results related to the influence of material and immaterial environmental factors to the well-being of organisms and human life has now reached the forefront of international thinking. For the further sustainable development of our common scientific "hobby" of bioindication and biomonitoring, highest personal energy has to be given by us, being teachers to our students and to convince strategically decision makers as politicians to invest (financially) into the development of education and research of this innovative technique. Young people have to be intensively convinced on the "meaning" of our scientific doing, e.g., by extended forms of education. One example of multilingual education of students on a global scale and perspective is given here, which we started about 3 years ago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Markert
- Environmental Institute of Scientific Networks, Fliederweg 17, 49733, Haren, Germany,
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Lage J, Almeida SM, Reis MA, Chaves PC, Ribeiro T, Garcia S, Faria JP, Fernández BG, Wolterbeek HT. Levels and spatial distribution of airborne chemical elements in a heavy industrial area located in the north of Spain. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2014; 77:856-866. [PMID: 25072718 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2014.910156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The adverse health effects of airborne particles have been subjected to intense investigation in recent years; however, more studies on the chemical characterization of particles from pollution emissions are needed to (1) identify emission sources, (2) better understand the relative toxicity of particles, and (3) pinpoint more targeted emission control strategies and regulations. The main objective of this study was to assess the levels and spatial distribution of airborne chemical elements in a heavy industrial area located in the north of Spain. Instrumental and biomonitoring techniques were integrated and analytical methods for k0 instrumental neutron activation analysis and particle-induced x-ray emission were used to determine element content in aerosol filters and lichens. Results indicated that in general local industry contributed to the emissions of As, Sb, Cu, V, and Ni, which are associated with combustion processes. In addition, the steelwork emitted significant quantities of Fe and Mn and the cement factory was associated with Ca emissions. The spatial distribution of Zn and Al also indicated an important contribution of two industries located outside the studied area.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lage
- a C2TN, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa , Bobadela LRS , Portugal
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12
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Almeida SM, Lage J, Freitas MDC, Pedro AI, Ribeiro T, Silva AV, Canha N, Almeida-Silva M, Sitoe T, Dionisio I, Garcia S, Domingues G, de Faria JP, Fernández BG, Ciaparra D, Wolterbeek HT. Integration of biomonitoring and instrumental techniques to assess the air quality in an industrial area located in the coastal of central Asturias, Spain. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2012; 75:1392-1403. [PMID: 23095157 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2012.721173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the world, epidemiological studies were established to examine the relationship between air pollution and mortality rates and adverse respiratory health effects. However, despite the years of discussion the correlation between adverse health effects and atmospheric pollution remains controversial, partly because these studies are frequently restricted to small and well-monitored areas. Monitoring air pollution is complex due to the large spatial and temporal variations of pollution phenomena, the high costs of recording instruments, and the low sampling density of a purely instrumental approach. Therefore, together with the traditional instrumental monitoring, bioindication techniques allow for the mapping of pollution effects over wide areas with a high sampling density. In this study, instrumental and biomonitoring techniques were integrated to support an epidemiological study that will be developed in an industrial area located in Gijon in the coastal of central Asturias, Spain. Three main objectives were proposed to (i) analyze temporal patterns of PM₁₀ concentrations in order to apportion emissions sources, (ii) investigate spatial patterns of lichen conductivity to identify the impact of the studied industrial area in air quality, and (iii) establish relationships amongst lichen conductivity with some site-specific characteristics. Samples of the epiphytic lichen Parmelia sulcata were transplanted in a grid of 18 by 20 km with an industrial area in the center. Lichens were exposed for a 5-mo period starting in April 2010. After exposure, lichen samples were soaked in 18-MΩ water aimed at determination of water electrical conductivity and, consequently, lichen vitality and cell damage. A marked decreasing gradient of lichens conductivity relative to distance from the emitting sources was observed. Transplants from a sampling site proximal to the industrial area reached values 10-fold higher than levels far from it. This finding showed that lichens reacted physiologically in the polluted industrial area as evidenced by increased conductivity correlated to contamination level. The integration of temporal PM₁₀ measurements and analysis of wind direction corroborated the importance of this industrialized region for air quality measurements and identified the relevance of traffic for the urban area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Marta Almeida
- URSN, IST/ITN, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Sacavém, Portugal.
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Markert B, Wuenschmann S, Fraenzle S, Graciana Figueiredo AM, Ribeiro AP, Wang M. Bioindication of atmospheric trace metals--with special references to megacities. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2011; 159:1991-5. [PMID: 21396759 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2010] [Revised: 01/16/2011] [Accepted: 02/04/2011] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
After considering the particular problems of atmospheric pollution in megacities, i.e. agglomerations larger than 5 mio. inhabitants, with urbanization of World's population going on steadily, possibilities of active biomonitoring by means of green plants are discussed. Based on specific definitions of active and passive bioindication the chances of monitoring heavy metals in Sao Paulo megacity were demonstrated (first results published before). This is to show that there is need for increased use of bioindication to tackle the particular problems of megacities concerning environmental "health", the data to be processed according to the Multi-Markered-Bioindication-Concept (MMBC). Comparison to other work shows this approach to be reasonable.
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