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Thakur M, Bhatt A, Sharma V, Mathur V. Interplay of heavy metal accumulation, physiological responses, and microbiome dynamics in lichens: insights and future directions. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:926. [PMID: 39264410 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-13103-1] [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: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Lichens are increasingly recognised as valuable bioindicators for environmental heavy metal pollution due to their sensitivity to spatial and temporal variations in pollution levels and their ability to adapt to diverse and often harsh habitats. This review initially examines the mechanisms of metal absorption in lichens, including particulate entrapment, ion exchange, and intracellular absorption, as well as their physiological responses to abiotic stressors such as heavy metal exposure and desiccation. In the latter part, we compile and synthesise evidence showing that secondary metabolites in lichens are significantly influenced by metal concentrations, with varying impacts across different species. Although extensive research has addressed the broader physiological effects of heavy metal hyperaccumulation in lichens, there remains a significant gap in understanding the direct or indirect influences of heavy metals on the lichen microbiome, possibly mediated by changes in secondary metabolite production. Our review integrates these aspects to propose new research directions aimed at elucidating the mechanisms underlying physiological responses such as resilience and adaptability in lichens. Overall, this review highlights the dynamic interplay between microbiome composition, secondary metabolite variation, and metal accumulation, suggesting that these factors collectively contribute to the physiological responses of lichens in polluted environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Thakur
- Department of Botany, South Campus, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, Benito Juarez Marg, Dhaula kuan, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Amit Bhatt
- Animal Plant Interaction Lab, Department of Zoology, South Campus, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, Benito Juarez Marg, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Vaibhav Sharma
- The Bacterial Ecology and Evolution Lab, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, 560012, India
| | - Vartika Mathur
- Animal Plant Interaction Lab, Department of Zoology, South Campus, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, Benito Juarez Marg, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, 110021, India.
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Malikova IN, Strakhovenko VD, Shcherbov BL. Distribution of radionuclides in moss-lichen cover and needles on the same grounds of landscape-climatic zones of Siberia. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2019; 198:64-78. [PMID: 30592996 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The radiation status of the landscape and climatic zones of Siberia at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries is characterized using bioindicators/biomonitors: lichens, mosses, and needles, according to the results obtained at the sites of their joint growth. The maximal activity of 137Cs in these components is observed in the forest-tundra landscaped zone, polluted during the period of nuclear tests from the nuclear test site "Novaya Zemlya" and also due to slow migration of these elements to the soil under the arctic conditions. In the southern territories the specific activity of radiocesium in the moss-lichen cover and needles of conifers corresponds to the regional background, in the forest-tundra zone it sometimes exceeds it, but in general does not pose a threat to human health. Determined differences in the contents of radioactive elements in lichens and mosses that grow together on sites in different landscape zones of Siberia statistically not significant within one or two standard deviations, and recorded only in the range of 3ϭ at the level of significance 0.05. Specificity of radionuclide distribution in lichens, mosses and needles (differences for epigeals and epiphytic lichens; different species selected at one site, annual and perennial needles, etc.) made it possible to identify the causes of variations in their activities in different zones, along with landscape features of these zones. In the needles of conifers potassium concentration exceeds the content in lichens, at lower levels of thorium and 137Cs. The contents of uranium and thorium in the studied components in all landscape-climatic zones correspond to the natural ones, except for the single local territories, because of the possible anthropogenic influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- I N Malikova
- Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy SB RAS, Acad. Koptyug Ave. 3, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.
| | - V D Strakhovenko
- Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy SB RAS, Acad. Koptyug Ave. 3, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia; Novosibirsk State University, Pirogov Str. 2, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - B L Shcherbov
- Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy SB RAS, Acad. Koptyug Ave. 3, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
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Lichens and Bromeliads as Bioindicators of Heavy Metal Deposition in Ecuador. DIVERSITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/d11020028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated heavy metal deposition in Parmotrema arnoldii and Tillandsia usneoides in response to air pollution in Loja city, Ecuador. We assessed heavy metal (cadmium, copper, manganese, lead and zinc) content in these organisms at nine study sites inside Loja city and three control sites in nearby forests. Concentrations of all studied heavy metals (i.e., cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn)) were highest in downtown Loja. Our study confirms that passive monitoring using lichens and/or bromeliads can be an efficient tool to evaluate heavy metal deposition related to urbanization (e.g., vehicle emissions). We recommend these organisms to be used in cost-effective monitoring of air pollution in tropical countries.
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Liu HJ, Wang JG, Xia Y, Yang MJ, Liu SW, Zhao LC, Guo XP, Jiang YJ, Li X, Wu QF, Fang SB. Elemental compositions of lichens from Duolun County, Inner Mongolia, China: Origin, road effect and species difference. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5598. [PMID: 28717240 PMCID: PMC5514112 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06027-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
To assess the response of lichen elemental compositions to road traffic and species difference in the context of high dust input and anthropogenic emissions, two foliose epiphytic lichens (Phaeophyscia hirtuosa, PHh; Candelaria fibrosa, CAf) were sampled near a road adjacent to Dolon Nor Town (Duolun County, Inner Mongolia, China). Twenty elements (Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Sr, Ti, V and Zn) in lichen and surface soil samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The results demonstrate that lichen elemental compositions are highly influenced by both their natural environment and anthropogenic input. Windblown dust associated with sand dunes and degraded/desertified steppes represents the predominant source of lichen elements. Road traffic can enhance the lichen elemental burden by increasing the number of soil particles. Anthropogenic emissions from the town and road traffic have also led to the enrichment of Cd and Zn in lichens. PHh was higher than CAf in concentrations of 14 terrigenous metals. Both lichens are applicable to biomonitoring of atmospheric element deposition and, in most cases, yield comparable results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Jie Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China.
| | - Jing-Gong Wang
- Hebei Geological Laboratory, Baoding, Hebei, 071051, China
| | - Yu Xia
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China
| | - Meng-Jie Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China
| | - Si-Wa Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China
| | | | - Xiu-Ping Guo
- Hebei Geological Laboratory, Baoding, Hebei, 071051, China
| | - Yun-Jun Jiang
- Hebei Geological Laboratory, Baoding, Hebei, 071051, China
| | - Xin Li
- Duolun County Grassland Management Station, Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia, 027300, China
| | - Qing-Feng Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China
| | - Shi-Bo Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather, Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center on Forecast and Evaluation of Meteorological Disasters, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China.
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Boonpeng C, Polyiam W, Sriviboon C, Sangiamdee D, Watthana S, Nimis PL, Boonpragob K. Airborne trace elements near a petrochemical industrial complex in Thailand assessed by the lichen Parmotrema tinctorum (Despr. ex Nyl.) Hale. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:12393-12404. [PMID: 28357804 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8893-9] [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: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Several trace elements discharged by the petrochemical industry are toxic to humans and the ecosystem. In this study, we assessed airborne trace elements in the vicinity of the Map Ta Phut petrochemical industrial complex in Thailand by transplanting the lichen Parmotrema tinctorum to eight industrial, two rural, and one clean air sites between October 2013 and June 2014. After 242 days, the concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Ti, V, and Zn in lichens at most industrial sites were higher than those at the rural and the control sites; in particular, As, Cu, Mo, Sb, V, and Zn were significantly higher than at the control site (p < 0.05). Contamination factors (CFs) indicated that Cd, Cu, Mo, and Sb, which have severe health impacts, heavily contaminated at most industrial sites. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that most elements were associated with industry, with lesser contributions from traffic and agriculture. Based on the pollution load indexes (PLIs), two industrial sites were highly polluted, five were moderately polluted, and one had a low pollution level, whereas the pollution load at the rural sites was comparable to background levels. This study reinforces the utility of lichens as cost-effective biomonitors of airborne elements, suitable for use in developing countries, where adequate numbers of air monitoring instruments are unavailable due to financial, technical, and policy constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaiwat Boonpeng
- Lichen Research Unit, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Hua Mark, Bangkok, 10240, Thailand.
| | - Wetchasart Polyiam
- Lichen Research Unit, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Hua Mark, Bangkok, 10240, Thailand
| | - Chutima Sriviboon
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Hua Mark, Bangkok, 10240, Thailand
| | - Duangkamon Sangiamdee
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Hua Mark, Bangkok, 10240, Thailand
| | - Santi Watthana
- School of Biology, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
| | - Pier Luigi Nimis
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 10, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Kansri Boonpragob
- Lichen Research Unit, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Hua Mark, Bangkok, 10240, Thailand
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Boamponsem LK, de Freitas CR. Validation of Parmotrema reticulatum as a biomonitor of elemental air pollutants in Auckland, New Zealand. J R Soc N Z 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/03036758.2017.1296472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Louis K. Boamponsem
- School of Environment, University of Auckland, 10 Symonds Street, PB 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - C. R. de Freitas
- School of Environment, University of Auckland, 10 Symonds Street, PB 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
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Liu HJ, Fang SB, Liu SW, Zhao LC, Guo XP, Jiang YJ, Hu JS, Liu XD, Xia Y, Wang YD, Wu QF. Lichen elemental composition distinguishes anthropogenic emissions from dust storm inputs and differs among species: Evidence from Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia, China. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34694. [PMID: 27698382 PMCID: PMC5048157 DOI: 10.1038/srep34694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
To test the applicability of lichens in the biomonitoring of atmospheric elemental deposition in a typical steppe zone of Inner Mongolia, China, six foliose lichens (Physcia aipolia, PA; P. tribacia, PT; Xanthoria elegans, XE; X. mandschurica, XM; Xanthoparmelia camtschadalis, XPC; and Xp. tinctina, XPT) were sampled from the Xilin River Basin, Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia, China. Twenty-five elements (Al, Ba, Cd, Ce, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, K, La, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Tb, Th, Ti, Tl, V and Zn) in the lichens were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results show that Cd, Pb and Zn were mainly atmospheric in origin, whereas the other elements were predominantly of crustal origin. Compared with other studies, our data were higher in crustal element concentrations and lower in atmospheric element concentrations, matching with the frequent, severe dust storms and road traffic in the area. The elemental concentrations in lichens are both species- and element-specific, highlighting the importance of species selection for biomonitoring air pollution using lichens. We recommend PT, XE, XM and XPT for monitoring atmospheric deposition of crustal elements; XPC and XPT for Cd and Pb; PA for Cd and Zn; and PT for Cd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Jie Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China
| | - Shi-Bo Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather, Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center on Forecast and Evaluation of Meteorological Disasters, Nanjing University of Information Science &Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Si-Wa Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China
| | | | - Xiu-Ping Guo
- Hebei Geological Laboratory, Baoding, Hebei 071051, China
| | - Yun-Jun Jiang
- Hebei Geological Laboratory, Baoding, Hebei 071051, China
| | - Jian-Sen Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China
| | - Xiao-Di Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China
| | - Yu Xia
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China
| | - Yi-Dan Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China
| | - Qing-Feng Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China
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Liu HJ, Zhao LC, Fang SB, Liu SW, Hu JS, Wang L, Liu XD, Wu QF. Use of the lichen Xanthoria mandschurica in monitoring atmospheric elemental deposition in the Taihang Mountains, Hebei, China. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23456. [PMID: 27089945 PMCID: PMC4835694 DOI: 10.1038/srep23456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Air pollution is a major concern in China. Lichens are a useful biomonitor for atmospheric elemental deposition but have rarely been used in North China. The aim of this study was to investigate the atmospheric depositions of 30 trace elements (Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, K, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Sr, Tb, Th, Ti, Tl, V and Zn) in a region of the Taihang Mountains, Hebei Province, China using lichens as biomonitors. Epilithic foliose lichen Xanthoria mandschurica was sampled from 21 sites and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results show that 1) eight elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, P, Pb, Sb and Zn) are of atmospheric origin and are highly influenced by the atmospheric transportation from the North China Plain, as well as local mining activities, while 2) the remaining 22 elements are primarily of crustal origin, the concentration of which has been enhanced by local mining and quarrying activities. These results clearly validate the applicability of lichens in biomonitoring of atmospheric elemental deposition and demonstrate the spatial pattern for air pollution in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Jie Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China
| | | | - Shi-Bo Fang
- Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, Zhongguancun South Street 46, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Si-Wa Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China
| | - Jian-Sen Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China
| | - Xiao-Di Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China
| | - Qing-Feng Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China
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Paoli L, Fiorini E, Munzi S, Sorbo S, Basile A, Loppi S. Uptake and acute toxicity of cerium in the lichen Xanthoria parietina. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2014; 104:379-85. [PMID: 24747927 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2014.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Revised: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Environmental cerium (Ce) levels are likely to increase in the near future and monitoring of its biological effects will therefore be necessary. The aim of this study was to test if treatment of the lichen Xanthoria parietina with Ce-containing solutions (0.1mM, 1mM, 10mM and 100mM) causes Ce bioaccumulation (both extra- and intra-cellularly) as well as physiological (sample viability, membrane lipids peroxidation, photosynthetic performance, water-soluble proteins content) and ultrastructural alterations. The results showed that treatment with Ce solutions induces Ce bioaccumulation, both extra-cellularly and intra-cellularly, which in turn causes an acute toxicity, evident as decreased sample viability, marked decrease in the photosynthetic performance and important changes in the ultrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Paoli
- University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - S Munzi
- University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - S Sorbo
- University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - A Basile
- University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - S Loppi
- University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
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Ferreira AB, Saiki M, Santos JO, Ribeiro AP, Saldiva PHN. Elemental composition evaluation in lichens collected in the industrial city of São Mateus Sul, Paraná, Brazil. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-011-1237-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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12
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Sheppard PR, Speakman RJ, Ridenour G, Witten ML. Using lichen chemistry to assess airborne tungsten and cobalt in Fallon, Nevada. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2007; 130:511-8. [PMID: 17131081 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-006-9440-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2006] [Accepted: 07/28/2006] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes the use of lichen chemistry to assess airborne tungsten and cobalt in Fallon, Nevada, where a cluster of childhood leukemia has been on going since 1997. Lichens and their rock substrates were collected from Rattlesnake Hill within Fallon as well as from four different rock outcrops located north, east, south, and west of Fallon and at least 20 km away from the town center. In the lichens themselves, W and Co are significantly higher within Fallon than in the combined control site outside of Fallon. In the rock substrates of the lichens, no differences exist in W and Co. The W and Co differences in lichens cannot be attributed to substrate geochemistry. Fallon is distinctive in west central Nevada for high airborne W and Co, and given its cluster of childhood leukemia, it stands to reason that additional biomedical research is in order to test directly the leukogenicity of combined airborne W and Co.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Sheppard
- Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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Patrick GJ, Farmer JG. A stable lead isotopic investigation of the use of sycamore tree rings as a historical biomonitor of environmental lead contamination. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2006; 362:278-91. [PMID: 16414100 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2005.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2005] [Revised: 11/23/2005] [Accepted: 12/01/2005] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The validity of the use of sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) tree-rings for the reconstruction of atmospheric lead pollution histories was investigated. Tree cores spanning 1892-2003 were collected from several sycamores from the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, Scotland, an area with no local point sources of lead emission. The lead concentration and 206Pb/207Pb profiles of the Loch Lomond region cores were compared with corresponding data for the 210Pb-dated loch sediment, and also with data for moss of known age from a Scottish herbarium collection. Two of the seven sycamore cores showed the same lead concentration trend as the lead flux to the loch, the rest having no similarity to either each other or the loch sediment record. Two further sycamore cores showed some similarity in their temporal 206Pb/207Pb trends to those seen in the sediment and moss records, but only in part of their profiles, whilst the 206Pb/207Pb ratios of the other sycamore cores remained relatively unchanged for the majority of the time covered, or exhibited an opposite trend. The 206Pb/207Pb ratios of the tree cores were also mostly higher than those of the previously established records for any given time period. Tree cores covering 1878-2002 were also collected along transects from Wanlockhead and Tyndrum, two areas of former lead mining and smelting associated with distinct 206Pb/207Pb ratios of 1.170 and 1.144, respectively. The Wanlockhead tree cores exhibited a generally decreasing trend in lead concentration with both time and distance from the lead mine. The characteristic 206Pb/207Pb ratio of 1.170 was observed in samples close to the mine but a decrease in the influence of the mine-derived lead was observed in more distant samples. The tree sampled at Tyndrum showed elevated lead concentrations, which decreased with time, and a fairly constant 206Pb/207Pb ratio of 1.15 reflecting input from the mine, features not observed in any other trees along the transect. Overall the data suggest that sycamore tree-ring analysis is an unsuitable method for obtaining records of historical lead deposition in areas with no large local lead input, although it can reveal some information about the temporal and spatial influence of point source emitters. The unsuitability probably arises from the number of active annual rings in a single year, the post-uptake radial translocation of elements, the relative importance of the different routes of uptake, and the soil depth(s) from which trees draw nutrients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin J Patrick
- School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JJ, Scotland, UK
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Purvis OW, Longden J, Shaw G, Chimonides PDJ, Jeffries TE, Jones GC, Mikhailova IN, Williamson BJ. Biogeochemical signatures in the lichen Hypogymnia physodes in the mid Urals. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2006; 90:151-62. [PMID: 16887244 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2006.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2006] [Revised: 06/14/2006] [Accepted: 06/18/2006] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Multi-element content and uranium (U) isotopes were investigated in the lichen Hypogymnia physodes (native and transplants) sampled across a 60-km transect, centred on Karabash smelter town, from Turgoyak Lake (SW) to Kyshtym (NE) to investigate the origin of U. Kyshtym was the site of a major nuclear accident in 1957. (234)U/(238)U activity ratios in native thalli sampled during July 2001 were within the natural isotopic ratio in minerals. Uranium/thorium (U/Th) ratios were higher in native thalli towards the NE (average 0.73) than those in the SW (average 0.57). Element signatures in native thalli and transplants suggest U was derived from fossil fuel combustion from Karabash and sources lying further to the east. Systematic and significant U enrichment indicative of a nuclear fuel cycle source was not detected in any sample. Element signatures in epiphytic lichen transplants and native thalli provide a powerful method to evaluate U deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- O W Purvis
- Department of Botany, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK.
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