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Niepsch D, Clarke LJ, Newton J, Tzoulas K, Cavan G. High spatial resolution assessment of air quality in urban centres using lichen carbon, nitrogen and sulfur contents and stable-isotope-ratio signatures. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:58731-58754. [PMID: 36991207 PMCID: PMC10163116 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26652-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution and poor air quality is impacting human health globally and is a major cause of respiratory and cardiovascular disease and damage to human organ systems. Automated air quality monitoring stations continuously record airborne pollutant concentrations, but are restricted in number, costly to maintain and cannot document all spatial variability of airborne pollutants. Biomonitors, such as lichens, are commonly used as an inexpensive alternative to assess the degree of pollution and monitor air quality. However, only a few studies combined lichen carbon, nitrogen and sulfur contents, with their stable-isotope-ratio signatures (δ13C, δ15N and δ34S values) to assess spatial variability of air quality and to 'fingerprint' potential pollution sources. In this study, a high-spatial resolution lichen biomonitoring approach (using Xanthoria parietina and Physcia spp.) was applied to the City of Manchester (UK), the centre of the urban conurbation Greater Manchester, including considerations of its urban characteristics (e.g., building heights and traffic statistics), to investigate finer spatial detail urban air quality. Lichen wt% N and δ15N signatures, combined with lichen nitrate (NO3-) and ammonium (NH4+) concentrations, suggest a complex mixture of airborne NOx and NHx compounds across Manchester. In contrast, lichen S wt%, combined with δ34S strongly suggest anthropogenic sulfur sources, whereas C wt% and δ13C signatures were not considered reliable indicators of atmospheric carbon emissions. Manchester's urban attributes were found to influence lichen pollutant loadings, suggesting deteriorated air quality in proximity to highly trafficked roads and densely built-up areas. Lichen elemental contents and stable-isotope-ratio signatures can be used to identify areas of poor air quality, particularly at locations not covered by automated air quality measurement stations. Therefore, lichen biomonitoring approaches provide a beneficial method to supplement automated monitoring stations and also to assess finer spatial variability of urban air quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Niepsch
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.
| | - Leon J Clarke
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK
| | - Jason Newton
- Stable Isotope Ecology Laboratory, Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC), East Kilbride, G75 0QF, UK
| | - Konstantinos Tzoulas
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK
| | - Gina Cavan
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK
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2
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Ciężka MM, Górka M, Trzyna A, Modelska M, Łubek A, Widory D. The multi-isotope biogeochemistry (S, C, N and Pb) of Hypogymnia physodes lichens: air quality approach in the Świętokrzyski National Park, Poland. ISOTOPES IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH STUDIES 2022; 58:340-362. [PMID: 35984898 DOI: 10.1080/10256016.2022.2110591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The isotope biogeochemistry of bioindicators has widely demonstrated its added value in environmental issues by allowing to precisely identify sources of contamination. Most of the studies are based on studying one or two isotope systematics. Here, we are presenting an innovative multi-proxy approach that combines chemistry with both stable (C, S, N) and radiogenic (Pb) isotope systematics. Using Hypogymnia physodes bioindicators, we evaluated air quality in the complex environment of the Świętokrzyski National Park (ŚNP, Poland) with the ultimate objective of isotopically identifying the sources responsible for the observed contamination. Combining the isotope systematics showed that home heating is a major source of contamination in winter, whereas the contribution of road traffic increases during the summer. Pb isotope ratios identified industrial activities as the major source of this metal in the atmosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maciej Górka
- Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Trzyna
- Department of Environmental Protection, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Modelska
- Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Łubek
- Institute of Biology, Division of Environmental Biology, Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Kielce, Poland
| | - David Widory
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, GEOTOP/UQAM, Montréal, Canada
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Niepsch D, Clarke LJ, Tzoulas K, Cavan G. Distinguishing atmospheric nitrogen compounds (nitrate and ammonium) in lichen biomonitoring studies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2021; 23:2021-2036. [PMID: 34870671 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00274k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen speciation, i.e. distinguishing nitrate (NO3-) and ammonium (NH4+), is commonly undertaken in soil studies, but has not been conducted extensively for lichens. Lichen total nitrogen contents (N wt%) reflect airborne atmospheric nitrogen loadings, originating from anthropogenic sources (e.g. vehicular and agricultural/livestock emissions). Albeit nitrogen being an essential lichen nutrient, nitrogen compound (i.e. NO3- and NH4+) concentrations in the atmosphere can have deleterious effects on lichens. Moreover, N wt% do not provide information on individual nitrogen compounds, i.e. NO3- and NH4+ which are major constituents of atmospheric particulate matter (e.g. PM10 and PM2.5). This study presents a novel method to separate and quantify NO3- and NH4+ extracted from lichen material. An optimal approach was identified by testing different strengths and volumes of potassium chloride (KCl) solutions and variable extraction times, i.e. the use of 3% KCl for 6 hours can achieve a same-day extraction and subsequent ion chromatography (IC) analysis for reproducible lichen nitrate and ammonium concentration determinations. Application of the method was undertaken by comparing urban and rural Xanthoria parietina samples to investigate the relative importance of the two nitrogen compounds in contrasting environments. Findings presented showed that lichen nitrogen compound concentrations varied in rural and urban X. parietina samples, suggesting different atmospheric nitrogen loadings from potentially different sources (e.g. agricultural and traffic) and varied deposition patterns (e.g. urban layout impacts). Despite potential impacts of nitrogen compounds on lichen metabolism, the approach presented here can be used for quantification of two different nitrogen compounds in lichen biomonitoring studies that will provide specific information on spatial and temporal variability of airborne NO3- and NH4+ concentrations that act as precursors of particulate matter, affecting air quality and subsequently human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Niepsch
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.
| | - Leon J Clarke
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.
| | - Konstantinos Tzoulas
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.
| | - Gina Cavan
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.
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4
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Zhang Q, Li Y, Wang M, Wang K, Meng F, Liu L, Zhao Y, Ma L, Zhu Q, Xu W, Zhang F. Atmospheric nitrogen deposition: A review of quantification methods and its spatial pattern derived from the global monitoring networks. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 216:112180. [PMID: 33865187 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition is a vital component of the global N cycle. Excessive N deposition on the Earth's surface has adverse impacts on ecosystems and humans. Quantification of atmospheric N deposition is indispensable for assessing and addressing N deposition-induced environmental issues. In the present review, we firstly summarized the current methods applied to quantify N deposition (wet, dry, and total N deposition), their advantages and major limitations. Secondly, we illustrated the long-term N deposition monitoring networks worldwide and the results attained via such long-term monitoring. Results show that China faces heavier N deposition than the United States, European countries, and other countries in East Asia. Next, we proposed a framework for estimating the atmospheric wet and dry N deposition using a combined method of surface monitoring, modeling, and satellite remote sensing. Finally, we put forth the critical research challenges and future directions of the atmospheric N deposition. CAPSULE: A review of quantification methods and the global data on nitrogen deposition and a systematic framework was proposed for quantifying nitrogen deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences; National Academy of Agriculture Green Development; Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of MOE, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Water Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yanan Li
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences; National Academy of Agriculture Green Development; Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of MOE, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Water Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mengru Wang
- Water Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kai Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences; National Academy of Agriculture Green Development; Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of MOE, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Fanlei Meng
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences; National Academy of Agriculture Green Development; Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of MOE, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lei Liu
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yuanhong Zhao
- College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Lin Ma
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, Hebei Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology, Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetic and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 286 Huaizhong Road, Shijiazhuang 050021, Hebei, China
| | - Qichao Zhu
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences; National Academy of Agriculture Green Development; Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of MOE, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wen Xu
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences; National Academy of Agriculture Green Development; Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of MOE, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Fusuo Zhang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences; National Academy of Agriculture Green Development; Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of MOE, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Concostrina-Zubiri L, Valencia E, Ochoa V, Gozalo B, Mendoza BJ, Maestre FT. Species-specific effects of biocrust-forming lichens on soil properties under simulated climate change are driven by functional traits. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 230:101-115. [PMID: 33314177 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Biocrusts are key drivers of ecosystem functioning in drylands, yet our understanding of how climate change will affect the chemistry of biocrust-forming species and their impacts on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling is still very limited. Using a manipulative experiment conducted with common biocrust-forming lichens with distinct morphology and chemistry (Buellia zoharyi, Diploschistes diacapsis, Psora decipiens and Squamarina lentigera), we evaluated changes in lichen total and isotopic C and N and several soil C and N variables after 50 months of simulated warming and rainfall reduction. Climate change treatments reduced δ13 C and the C : N ratio in B. zoharyi, and increased δ15 N in S. lentigera. Lichens had species-specific effects on soil dissolved organic N (DON), NH4+ , β-glucosidase and acid phosphatase activity regardless of climate change treatments, while these treatments changed how lichens affected several soil properties regardless of biocrust species. Changes in thallus δ13 C, N and C : N drove species-specific effects on dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), NH4+ , β-glucosidase and acid phosphatase activity. Our findings indicate that warmer and drier conditions will alter the chemistry of biocrust-forming lichens, affecting soil nutrient cycling, and emphasize their key role as modulators of climate change impacts in dryland soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Concostrina-Zubiri
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departamento de Biología, Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/Tulipán s/n, Móstoles, 28933, Spain
| | - Enrique Valencia
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departamento de Biología, Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/Tulipán s/n, Móstoles, 28933, Spain
| | - Victoria Ochoa
- Instituto Multidisciplinar para el Estudio del Medio 'Ramon Margalef', Edificio Nuevos Institutos, Universidad de Alicante, Carretera de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, San Vicente del Raspeig, 03690, Spain
| | - Beatriz Gozalo
- Instituto Multidisciplinar para el Estudio del Medio 'Ramon Margalef', Edificio Nuevos Institutos, Universidad de Alicante, Carretera de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, San Vicente del Raspeig, 03690, Spain
| | - Betty J Mendoza
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departamento de Biología, Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/Tulipán s/n, Móstoles, 28933, Spain
| | - Fernando T Maestre
- Instituto Multidisciplinar para el Estudio del Medio 'Ramon Margalef', Edificio Nuevos Institutos, Universidad de Alicante, Carretera de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, San Vicente del Raspeig, 03690, Spain
- Departamento de Ecología, Universidad de Alicante, Carretera de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, 03690, Spain
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6
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Wieder RK, Vile MA, Scott KD, Albright CM, Quinn JC, Vitt DH. Bog plant/lichen tissue nitrogen and sulfur concentrations as indicators of emissions from oil sands development in Alberta, Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:208. [PMID: 33755795 PMCID: PMC7987692 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-08929-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Increasing gaseous emissions of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) associated with oil sands development in northern Alberta (Canada) has led to changing regional wet and dry N and S deposition regimes. We assessed the potential for using bog plant/lichen tissue chemistry (N and S concentrations, C:N and C:S ratios, in 10 plant/lichen species) to monitor changing atmospheric N and S deposition through sampling at five bog sites, 3-6 times per growing season from 2009 to 2016. During this 8-year period, oil sands N emissions steadily increased, while S emissions steadily decreased. We examined the following: (1) whether each species showed changes in tissue chemistry with increasing distance from the Syncrude and Suncor upgrader stacks (the two largest point sources of N and S emissions); (2) whether tissue chemistry changed over the 8 year period in ways that were consistent with increasing N and decreasing S emissions from oil sands facilities; and (3) whether tissue chemistry was correlated with growing season wet deposition of NH4+-N, NO3--N, or SO42--S. Based on these criteria, the best biomonitors of a changing N deposition regime were Evernia mesomorpha, Sphagnum fuscum, and Vaccinium oxycoccos. The best biomonitors of a changing S deposition regime were Evernia mesomorpha, Cladonia mitis, Sphagnum fuscum, Sphagnum capillifolium, Vaccinium oxycoccos, and Picea mariana. Changing N and S deposition regimes in the oil sands region appear to be influencing N and S cycling in what once were pristine ombrotrophic bogs, to the extent that these bogs may effectively monitor future spatial and temporal patterns of deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Kelman Wieder
- Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA.
- Center for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stewardship, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA.
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Athabasca University, Athabasca, Alberta, T9S 3A3, Canada.
| | - Melanie A Vile
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Athabasca University, Athabasca, Alberta, T9S 3A3, Canada
- Department of Health, West Chester University, West Chester, PA, 19383, USA
| | - Kimberli D Scott
- Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA
- Center for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stewardship, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA
| | - Cara M Albright
- Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA
| | - James C Quinn
- Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA
| | - Dale H Vitt
- School of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
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7
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Bernardo F, Rodrigues A, Branquinho C, Garcia P. Elemental profile of native lichens displaying the impact by agricultural and artificial land uses in the Atlantic island of São Miguel (Azores). CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 267:128887. [PMID: 33187653 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Smaller oceanic islands, often hosting endangered native habitats, are particularly vulnerable to the impact of human activities. Using lichens as bioindicators, this study aimed to test if agricultural (AGR) and artificial (ART) land uses are noticeably more impacted than forest (FOR) land use on an oceanic island (São Miguel, Azores). Livestock and farming practices in AGR areas involve the intensive application of synthetical agrochemicals as well as organic fertilizers and manure. ART areas accommodate vehicular traffic besides industries dedicated to waste management, energy production or exploration and transformation of raw materials. Naturally occurring Parmotrema lichens were collected in 28 sampling sites distributed between each land use. The concentrations of 58 elements as well as the percentage (%N) and the isotopic composition of nitrogen (δ15N) were determined on lichen samples. An overall pattern of significant elemental enrichment was observed in lichens from AGR and ART sites compared with FOR lichens, including several rare-earth elements. FOR lichens were noticeably cleaner, thus providing background concentrations for the calculation of bioaccumulation ratios. Bioaccumulation levels were generally low to moderate in AGR lichens and moderate to high in ART lichens, including toxic heavy metals. %N was highest in AGR lichens and its isotopic signature was distinguishable from ART lichens by significantly lower δ15N values. This study provides a comprehensive baseline of bioaccumulation data across major land uses for comparison with other insular regions, highlighting the greater vulnerability of island ecosystems to anthropogenic impacts even if by relatively small-scale human activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Bernardo
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal; Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes and Azorean Biodiversity Group (cE3c-GBA), University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
| | - Armindo Rodrigues
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal; IVAR, Institute of Volcanology and Risks Assessment, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Cristina Branquinho
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa (cE3c-FC-ULisboa), Edifício C2, 5° Piso, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Garcia
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal; Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes and Azorean Biodiversity Group (cE3c-GBA), University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
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8
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Munzi S, Branquinho C, Cruz C, Máguas C, Leith ID, Sheppard LJ, Sutton MA. δ 15N of lichens reflects the isotopic signature of ammonia source. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 653:698-704. [PMID: 30759595 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Although it is generally accepted that δ15N in lichen reflects predominating N isotope sources in the environment, confirmation of the direct correlation between lichen δ15N and atmospheric δ15N is still missing, especially under field conditions with most confounding factors controlled. To fill this gap and investigate the response of lichens with different tolerance to atmospheric N deposition, thalli of the sensitive Evernia prunastri and the tolerant Xanthoria parietina were exposed for ten weeks to different forms and doses of N in a field manipulation experiment where confounding factors were minimized. During this period, several parameters, namely total N, δ15N and chlorophyll a fluorescence, were measured. Under the experimental conditions, δ15N in lichens quantitatively responded to the δ15N of released gaseous ammonia (NH3). Although a high correlation between the isotopic signatures in lichen tissue and supplied N was found both in tolerant and sensitive species, chlorophyll a fluorescence indicated that the sensitive species very soon lost its photosynthetic functionality with increasing N availability. The most damaging response to the different N chemical forms was observed with dry deposition of NH3, although wet deposition of ammonium ions had a significant observable physiological impact. Conversely, there was no significant effect of nitrate ions on chlorophyll a fluorescence, implying differential sensitivity to dry deposition versus wet deposition and to ammonium versus nitrate in wet deposition. Evernia prunastri was most sensitive to NH3, then NH4+, with lowest sensitivity to NO3-. Moreover, these results confirm that lichen δ15N can be used to indicate the δ15N of atmospheric ammonia, providing a suitable tool for the interpretation of the spatial distribution of NH3 sources in relation to their δ15N signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Munzi
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - C Branquinho
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - C Cruz
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - C Máguas
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - I D Leith
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik EH26 0QB, UK
| | - L J Sheppard
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik EH26 0QB, UK
| | - M A Sutton
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik EH26 0QB, UK
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9
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Serrano HC, Oliveira MA, Barros C, Augusto AS, Pereira MJ, Pinho P, Branquinho C. Measuring and mapping the effectiveness of the European Air Quality Directive in reducing N and S deposition at the ecosystem level. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 647:1531-1538. [PMID: 30282327 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.059] [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: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
To protect human health and the environment (namely ecosystems), international air quality protocols and guidelines, like the Gothenburg protocol (1999) and the 2001 EU Air Quality Directive (NECD), conveyed national emission ceilings for atmospheric pollutants (Directive 2001/81/EC), including the reduction of sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) emissions by 2010. However, to what degree this expected reduction in emissions had reflections at the ecosystem level (i.e. pollutant levels reaching and impacting ecosystems and their organisms) remains unknown. Here, we used lichens as ecological indicators, together with reported air and precipitation pollutant concentrations, to determine and map the consequences of the S and N atmospheric emission's reduction, during the implementation of the 2001 Directive (in 2002 and 2011), due primarily to the industrial-sector. The study area is a mixed-land-use industrialized Mediterranean agroforest ecosystem, in southwest Europe. The reduction of S emissions (2002-2011) was reflected at the ecosystem level, as the same S-declining trend was observed in atmospheric measurement stations and lichens alike (-70%), indicating that most S deposited to the ecosystem had an industrial origin. However, this was not the case for N with a slight N-reduction near industrial facilities, but mostly N-deposition in lichens increased in areas dominated by agricultural land-uses. Taken together, these results highlight the importance of going beyond emissions estimation and modeling, to assess the success of the implementation of the NECD in lowering pollutant accumulation in living organisms and their environment. This can only be achieved by measuring pollutant deposition at the ecosystem level (e.g. living organisms). By doing so, we were able to show that the 2001 NECD was successful in reducing S concentrations from Industry, whereas N remains a challenge. Despite the small reduction in N-emissions, deposition into ecosystems did not reflect these changes as agriculture and transport sectors must reduce NH3 and NOx emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Cristina Serrano
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Maria Alexandra Oliveira
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Ceres Barros
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Ana Sofia Augusto
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Maria João Pereira
- Centro de Recursos Naturais e Ambiente (CERENA), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Pedro Pinho
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; Centro de Recursos Naturais e Ambiente (CERENA), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Cristina Branquinho
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
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10
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Díaz-Álvarez EA, Lindig-Cisneros R, de la Barrera E. Biomonitors of atmospheric nitrogen deposition: potential uses and limitations. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 6:coy011. [PMID: 29564134 PMCID: PMC5848806 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coy011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric nitrogen deposition is the third largest cause of global biodiversity loss, with rates that have more than doubled over the past century. This is especially threatening for tropical regions where the deposition may soon exceed 25 kg of N ha-1 year-1, well above the threshold for physiological damage of 12-20 kg of N ha-1 year-1, depending on plant species and nitrogenous compound. It is thus urgent to monitor these regions where the most diverse biotas occur. However, most studies have been conducted in Europe, the USA and recently in China. This review presents the case for the potential use of biological organisms to monitor nitrogen deposition, with emphasis on tropical plants. We first present an overview of atmospheric chemistry and the nitrogen metabolism of potential biomonitors, followed by a framework for monitoring nitrogen deposition based on the simultaneous use of various functional groups. In particular, the tissue nitrogen content responds to the rate of deposition, especially for mosses, whose nitrogen content increases by 1‰ per kilogram of N ha-1 year-1. The isotopic signature, δ15N, is a useful indicator of the nitrogen source, as the slightly negative values (e.g. 5‰) of plants from natural environments can become very negative (-11.2‰) in sites with agricultural and husbandry activities, but very positive (13.3‰) in urban environments with high vehicular activity. Mosses are good biomonitors for wet deposition and atmospheric epiphytes for dry deposition. In turn, the nitrogen saturation of ecosystems can be monitored with trees whose isotopic values increase with saturation. Although given ecophysiological limitations of different organisms, particular studies should be conducted in each area of interest to determine the most suitable biomonitors. Overall, biomonitors can provide an integrative approach for characterizing nitrogen deposition in regions where the deployment of automated instruments or passive monitoring is not feasible or can be complementary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edison A Díaz-Álvarez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, C.U., Mexico City 04510, Mexico
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ant. Ctra. a Pátzcuaro 8701, Morelia, Michoacán 58190, Mexico
| | - Roberto Lindig-Cisneros
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ant. Ctra. a Pátzcuaro 8701, Morelia, Michoacán 58190, Mexico
| | - Erick de la Barrera
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ant. Ctra. a Pátzcuaro 8701, Morelia, Michoacán 58190, Mexico
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