Polyamine Production in Lichens Under Metal Pollution Stress

In the present study, thalli of the lichen species Pseudevernia furfuracea Zopf. and Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. transplanted around an oil-fired power station. Following an exposure of 4 months, trace element concentrations (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) and polyamine (PA) content [putrescine (Put), spermidine (Spd) and spermine (Spm)] of thalli were measured to study the polyamines production in lichens under metal pollution stress. The polyamine production was not significantly different for the two species but two types of statistically significant relationships were revealed between polyamines production and metals concentration in lichen thalli: a positive linear relationship for the pairs total PAs–Cd (P. furfuracea), total PAs–Cu (E. prunastri), Put–Pb (E. prunastri), Spm–Pb (E. prunastri) and a second-order polynomial relationship for the pairs Put–Cd (P. furfuracea), Spm–Cr (E. prunastri) and total PAs–V (E. prunastri). A possible involvement of polyamines in metal pollution stress response of lichens is discussed.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pleurozium schreberi</Emphasis> of the Tatra mountains (Poland) used as a bioindicational system for observing long range atmospheric transport of chemical elements

Concentrations of the elements Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, V and Zn were measured in the moss Pleurozium schreberi from the Tatra National Park, one of the most protected regions in Poland. The moss samples were collected at different elevations between 860 and 2220 m a.s.l. P. schreberi was used as bioindicator for long range transported atmospheric pollution investigating the hypothesis that elevation influences the concentrations of elements in this moss. Principal component and classification analysis (PCCA) distinguished between mosses from the highest and the lowest elevations and mosses from West/East oriented valleys. P. schreberi from the highest elevations contained the highest concentrations of Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Pb, V and Zn. P. schreberi from the lowest elevation contained the highest concentration of K. P. schreberi from West/East oriented valleys contained the highest concentrations of Ni and Co. P. schreberi from the Tatra National Park, one of the most protected areas in Poland, receives metals originating from long distance aerial transport.     

Monitoring of Air Pollution in Latvia Between 1990 and 2000 Using Moss

The concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, V, Zn) in feather moss were estimated in national surveys in Latvia in 1990, 1995 and 2000. Hylocomium splendens was used as a biomonitor in 1990 and Pleurozium schreberi in the latter two years. Maps of the distributions of the metals in Latvia have been produced. The paper discusses the reasons underlying the distributions and also the temporal trends during the last ten years.     

Spatial trends in heavy metals and nitrogen deposition in Navarra (Northern Spain) based on moss analysis

A biomonitoring survey using the moss species Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. was performed in the North of Navarra (Spain) in 2006. The levels of V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Zr, Cd, Hg and Pb, and the total nitrogen content were determined in the samples by means of ICP-MS, CV-AA, and the Kjeldahl method. PCA analysis showed a differentiation between lithogenic (V, Cr, Mn, Ni, As and Zr) and anthropogenic elements (Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg and Pb). Spatial distribution maps were drawn using the kriging method, in order to identify the most affected areas and the main pollution sources. A similar spatial distribution was observed for the elements belonging to each group separated by the PCA, showing an important contribution from metal industries located in the Basque Country, as well as influence of long-range transboundary pollution processes. Background levels were also determined for the study area, along with the contamination factor for the different elements analysed. Mosses seemed to be good biomonitors of N deposition in areas of accumulation.     

Lichen as quantitative biomonitors of atmospheric heavy metals deposition in Central India

Three different growth forms of lichens belonging to six species; Phaeophyscia hispidula, Parmotrema praesorediosum (foliose); Caloplaca subsoluta, Diploschistes candidissmus (crustose) and Peltula euploca, Phylliscum indicum (squamulose) were studied comparatively for the biomonitoring of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni and Zn in Mandav city in central India. Based on the anthropogenic activities three sites were selected for lichen collection. To identify the sources of heavy metal pollution, their concentration was analyzed in thallus as well as in their respective substrates. The thallus of studied lichens showed higher concentration of metals such as Cd, Cr, Ni and Zn, while most of the metals were absent or present in negligible amount in substrates (Fe, Al, Cu), which proves that the accumulated metals were air borne. The foliose lichens (P. hispidula and P. praesorediosum) found highly significant in metal accumulation at each sites followed by crustose and squamulose forms. Lichen samples collected from site 2, adjacent to road side accumulated maximum quantities of Zn, Ni, Cd and Cr whereas the city centre (Site 1) had maximum concentrations of Fe, Cu and Al. The site 3 situated away from the city had lowest amount of all the metals. The analysis of variance and LSD indicated that the metal concentrations among lichen species as well as between substratum is significant at p < 0.05% and P < 0.01% level respectively.     

陇海铁路圃田段路旁土壤重金属潜在生态风险评价

以陇海铁路圃田段为例,采用Hakanson指数法,对铁路旁土壤重金属（Cd、Pb、Cu、Zn、Cr和N i）的潜在生态风险进行了评价。结果表明,铁路旁土壤中重金属元素出现不同程度富集,以Zn和Pb的积累最为明显,最大含量都分布在距路基30 m范围内。Cd的潜在生态风险最大,在距路基100 m范围内,单项风险系数均在80以上,呈重度风险,最大风险值出现在路基处,高达138,之后逐渐降低;其余重金属呈低风险状态。距路基20 m范围内,潜在生态风险指数均在150以上,达到中等生态风险程度,之后逐渐降低。镉（Cd）的潜在风险占总风险的68.20%-73.37%,其他重金属的贡献很小。     

Biomonitoring of Trace Metals by Different species of Lichens (Parmelia) in North-West Italy

The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn were measured in four different species of lichens (Parmelia caperata, P. pastillifera, P. saxatilis, P. sulcata) sampled in North-West Italy, in order to obtain maps showing metal distribution and the degree of deviation from background (natural) conditions. Significant differences among the species were found for Zn, Mn, Pb and V, suggesting that the combined use of mixed species in biomonitoring surveys can affect the interpretation of results. Results obtained for Parmelia caperata samples have been compared with background (natural) levels, and maps showing the distribution of each metal expressed as deviation from background levels have been obtained. Overall such maps show a medium to high alteration degree in the study area.     

Continental origin and industrial sources of trace metals in the Northwest Atlantic troposphere

Trace metals (Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb and stable lead isotopes) have been analyzed in precipitation and total aerosols collected in the northwest Atlantic troposphere in April and November 1989. According to stable lead isotope signatures we encountered two main air mass sources, Mediterranean easterlies (206Pb/207Pb=1.131) and US westerlies (206Pb/207Pb=1.195–1.205). The phasing out of leaded gasoline has been invoked to explain the decrease of the 206Pb/207Pb ratios from 1.22 to 1.20 for the past 10 years in North America. Based on trajectory analyses, intermediate 206Pb/207Pb ratios are explained by a mixing of pure US westerlies with Canadian air masses (206Pb/207Pb=1.190–1.195) or Mediterranean air masses (206Pb/207Pb=1.18–1.19). Isentropic trajectories are very useful in explaining the variability of trace metal concentrations, a result of the fluctuating transport range of anthropogenic aerosols to remote marine areas of the North Atlantic. Lead concentrations appear to be closely correlated to the air mass transport patterns as defined from the meteorological analyses. For instance oceanic air masses transported over remote marine areas for more than three days were characterized by lead concentrations 2 to 10 times lower (Pb=0.5 to 2 ng/scm) than coastal air masses (Pb=3 to 10 ng/scm).Anthropogenic trace metal concentrations are generally in good agreement with the air mass signatures which display Pb and Cu, Ni, Zn concentrations higher than 2 and 10 ng/scm respectively in aerosol samples for the US source. Trace metal elemental ratios and soil enrichment factors were used to define industrial sources. Aerosol originating from the US exhibits the distinct industrial signature of Cu/Ni production and coal-oil combustion, while steel metallurgy could account for more than 50% of the overall Mn input into the Northwest Atlantic ocean.     

Biomonitoring of Element Deposition Using Mosses in the 2000 French Survey: Identifying Sources and Spatial Trends

In the year 2000, the elemental composition of mosses collected from 528 French sites has been studied as part of the 2000 European Moss Survey. Five moss species were collected: Scleropodium purum (56%), Pleurozium schreberi (18%), Hypnum cupressiforme (18%), Thuidium tamariscinum (4.5%.) and Hylocomium splendens (3.5%). Mosses were kept whole for analysis, including green and brownish parts. Summary statistics on element concentrations (Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sr, V and Zn), and comparisons made with data from the other 27 participating European countries are shown here. The sources of these elements are identified using calculations of enrichment factors (EF) and principal component analysis (PCA). Finally, the spatial distribution in France of 10 elements is also shown, using maps underscoring areas showing highest concentration levels for each metal.     

沈大高速公路两侧土壤重金属污染分布特征研究

对沈大高速公路沈阳、辽阳、鞍山、营口和大连段两侧土壤中铅、镉、锌、铬、镍和铜的含量进行测定。结果表明:在距路肩250 m范围内,各段土壤中铅、镉均有不同程度的累积,锌、铬、镍、铜污染不显著。土壤中铅、镉最大污染指数为3.34和2.42,污染较高值出现在距路肩50 m内,尤以20—40 m为高,除铅外其余重金属含量在距路肩150 m以外趋于背景值,但土壤中铅污染为250 m以外。     

Temperature changes the dynamics of trace element accumulation in Solanum tuberosum L.

A simulated warming manipulation was conducted to evaluate the effects of temperature increase on cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) accumulation in Solanum tuberosum L. at Dingxi, Gansu, in the semiarid northwest of China. The objective of this study was to determine if temperature increases significantly changed trace element concentrations and contents in the different ecosystem compartments by affecting soil content, soil solubility and plant capture. The results reveal that an increase in temperature will lead to a significant change in trace element concentrations and contents in Solanum tuberosum L. The strongest effects of a 3°C temperature increase are increased Cu, Zn and Fe leaf concentrations of 25, 27 and 24%, respectively; but decreases in Cd, Pb, Fe, Zn and Cu tuber concentrations of 27, 55, 41, 29 and 23%, respectively. The increasing concentrations of some trace elements in Solanum tuberosum L. leaves are related to greater retranslocation, photosynthetic capacity and growth. Warming decreases the concentrations of some trace elements in tubers, implying that tuber growth rate exceeds its metal uptake rate at higher temperatures. Indeed, it is expected that by the year 2050 the increased temperature will have induced a decrease of concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu, Fe and Zn of 9.1, 11.5, 18.5, 16.8 and 15.8%, respectively, in tubers in the study area. In addition, the results indicate that a 1–3°C increase in temperature will improve the availability of selected trace elements and transfer potential of these elements from soil to Solanum tuberosum L.     

Association of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metallic species in a tropical urban atmosphere – Delhi,India

Ambient respirable particles (PM₁₀; aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm) collected in a tropical urban environment (Delhi, India) during December 2008-November 2009 were characterized with respect to 16 US EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 8 major and trace metals (Fe, Mn, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and Cr). Concentrations of Σ₁₆PAHs (annual mean: 74.7 ± 50.7 ng m⁻³, range 22.1–258.4 ng m⁻³) and most metallic species were at least an order of magnitude greater than values reported from similar locations worldwide. Seasonal variations in Σ₁₆PAHs were significant (p < 0.001) with highest levels in winter while crustal and anthropogenic metals showed significant but mutually opposite seasonal dependence. Statistically significant associations were observed between chemical species and various meteorological parameters. The PAH profile was dominated by combustion-derived large-ring species (~85%) that were essentially local in origin. Principal component analysis–multiple linear regression (PCA-MLR) apportioned four sources: crustal dust (73%), vehicular emission (21%), coal combustion (4%) and industrial emission (2%) that was further validated by hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Temporal trend analysis showed that crustal sources were predominant in summer (p < 0.05) while the remaining sources were most active in winter. Summertime intrusions of Saharan dust were identified with the help of aerosol maps and air parcel backward trajectories. Inhalation cancer risk assessment showed that up to 3,907 excess cancer cases (357 for PAHs, 122 for Cd, 2040 for Cr (VI) and 1387 for Ni) are likely in Delhi considering lifetime inhalation exposure to these chemicals at their current concentrations.     

河南省某高校校园土壤重金属污染及其防治

在河南省某高校校区内的规模绿地上采集21个土壤样品,在郊区农田采集2个对照样品。按照国家标准方法,测定了土壤Cu、Zn、Ni、Pb和Cr的含量。结果发现:校园土壤中Ni、Zn和Cr发生了不同程度的富积;土壤重金属含量空间变异明显;校园土壤普遍发生了Zn污染,平均污染分指数达2.48,中度和重度污染样点占总样点的57.14%;绝大部分样点的综合污染指数均大于1,其中轻度污染样点13个,中度污染样点5个,重度污染样点2个。根据校园土壤的实际,应从严格控制污染物排放、翻土和客土改良、增施有机肥料、植物修复等方面防治校园土壤重金属污染。     

Size Distributions and Elemental Compositions of Particulate Matter on Clear, Hazy and Foggy days in Beijing, China

Total suspended particulates(TSP)samples were collected using low pressure impactors(Andersen Series 20-800,USA)on typical clear,hazy and foggy days in Beijing in order to investigate the characteristics of size distributions and elemental compositions of particulate matter(PM)in different weather conditions. The concentrations of sixteen elements,including Na,Mg,Al,K,Ca,Mn,Fe,Ni,Cu,Zn,As,Se,Cd,Ba,Tl and Pb were detected using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS).The results showed that Ca,Al,Fe,Mg and Ba on foggy days were 2.0-2.6 times higher than on clear days,and 2.3-2.9 times higher than on hazy days.Concentrations of Cu,Zn,As,Se and Pb on foggy days were 163.5,1186.7,65.9,32.0 and 708.2 ng m-3,respectively,in fine particles,and 68.1,289.5,19.8,1.6 and 103.8 ng m-3,respectively,in coarse particles.This was 1.0-8.4 times higher and 1.4-7.4 times higher than on clear and hazy days,respectively.It is then shown that Mg,Al,Fe,Ca and Ba were mainly associated with coarse particles,peaking at 4.7-5.8μm;that Cd,Se,Zn,As,Tl and Pb were most dominant in fine particles,peaking at 0.43-1.1μm;and that Na,K,Ni,Cu and Mn had a multi-mode distribution,with peaks at 0.43-1.1μm and 4.7-5.8μm.The enrichment factors indicated that coal combustion along with vehicle and industry emissions may be the main sources of pollution elements.     

南京江北地区菜地土壤重金属污染特征及评价

在南京市浦口和大厂的五大主要功能区（工业区、交通干线、居民区、蔬菜生产基地和风景区）分别布置采样点,共采集了75个菜地耕层土壤样品,以Cd、Cu、Pb和Zn等典型污染重金属元素的全量数据为基础,运用经典统计分析、综合污染指数和地统计分析相结合的方法对土壤重金属污染进行评价。结果表明,Cd、Cu和Zn分别超出其南京地区土壤背景值的5．42、1．84和1．14倍,Pb未超出。不同功能区菜地土壤的重金属全量水平存在明显差异,其中工业区菜地土壤的重金属污染较为严重。对于Cd和Cu,单因子污染指数大于1的样点数达100％,Zn为52％,Pb为2．67％。研究区内菜地土壤重金属的综合污染指数为4．12,属于中度污染。Cu的空间相关性很弱,Cd、Pb和Zn具有中等的空间结构性;四种重金属的空间相关尺度较为接近。Cd、Cu和Zn的单因子污染指数具有相似的空间分布,总体呈现出南高北低的带状递减趋势,且高峰值具有空间分布的趋同性,而Pb的单因子污染指数分布呈现西北和东南两端高,中间较低的趋势。综合污染指数的空间分布显示,研究区大部分菜地土壤处于中度重金属污染水平,钢铁生产厂周边的斑块状区域重金属污染更加严重。     

Trace gases and PM2.5-bound metal abundance over a tropical urban environment,South India

Pre and Post-Monsoon levels of ambient SO₂, NO₂, PM_2.5 and the trace metals Fe, Cu, etc. were measured at industrial and residential regions of the Kochi urban area in South India for a period of two years. The mean PM_2.5, SO₂ and NO₂ concentrations across all sites were 38.98?±?1.38 µg/m³, 2.78?±?0.85 µg/m³ and 11.90?±?4.68 µg/m³ respectively, which is lower than many other Indian cities. There was little difference in any on the measured species between the seasons. A few sites exceeded the NAAQS (define acronym and state standard) and most of the sites exceeded WHO (define acronym and state standard) standard for PM_2.5. The average trace metal concentrations (ng/m³) were found to be Fe (32.58)?>?Zn (31.93)?>?Ni (10.13)?>?Cr (5.48)?>?Pb (5.37)?>?Cu (3.24). The maximum concentration of trace metals except Pb were reported in industrial areas. The enrichment factor, of metals relative to crustal material, indicated anthropogenic dominance over natural sources for the trace metal concentration in Kochi’s atmosphere. This work demonstrates the importance of air quality monitoring in this area.

     

Elemental composition of PM2.5 and PM10 at Mount Gongga in China during 2006

In order to investigate the chemical characteristics of atmospheric aerosols in a regional background site, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were collected at Mount Gongga Station once a week in 2006. The concentrations of fifteen elements including Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, V, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Ag, Ba, Tl, and Pb were detected by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The results showed that Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Fe were the major components of elements detected in PM_2.5 and PM₁₀, occupied 89.5% and 91.3% of all the elements. Crustal enrichment factor (EF) calculation indicated that several anthropogenic heavy metals (Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Ag, Tl, Pb) were transported long distances atmospherically. The concentrations of all elements (except Na) measured in PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ in spring and winter were higher than those in summer and autumn. The backward air mass trajectory analysis suggests that northeast India may be the source region of those pollutants.     

Vertical Distribution Patterns of Trace Elements in an Urban Environment as Reflected by their Accumulation in Lichen Transplants

The results of an investigation about the vertical distribution patterns of selected trace elements in an urban environment, as reflected by their accumulation in lichen transplants, are reported. Thalli of the lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea were transplanted in 2 sites in the urban area of Thessaloniki (N Greece), subjected to very different traffic loads: 1) Tsimiski, downtown of Thessaloniki, at one of the busiest streets of the city, a street canyon 2) Toumba, far from the city centre, at the edge of the city, at an open street. In each site, thalli were suspended along a vertical transect at 3, 6, 9 and 12 m, and retrieved after one year. The results showed that while at Toumba the elemental composition of lichen samples was essentially influenced by natural occurrence, mainly airborne soil dust, at Tsimiski also anthropogenic input of pollutants determined by vehicle traffic was involved for some elements such as Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn. The vertical distribution patterns of heavy metals accumulated in lichens showed that in general elevation has no statistically significant influence on the concentration of most metals, but this was not true for Pb, whose concentrations increased with increasing elevation from ground. Residents may thus be more exposed to high concentrations of Pb than pedestrians.     

Inorganic ions and trace metals bulk deposition at an Atlantic Coastal European region

The inorganic chemical composition (major ions and trace metals) of bulk deposition samples collected monthly with bulk collectors at seven Atlantic Coastal European cities (Galicia, Northwest of Spain) during wet season (September 2011 to March 2012) has been assessed and compared. Trace metals (Al, As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, V and Zn) were analysed in soluble fraction and non-soluble fraction (after acid extraction) of the bulk deposition by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Major inorganic ions (Cl^?, NO₃ ^?, SO₄ ^2?, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and NH₄ ⁺) were analysed in the soluble fraction of the bulk deposition by capillary zone electrophoresis. Univariate analysis (ANOVA and Multiple Range Test) according to the location of each sampling site was performed. Results also suggest a great influence of cleaner Atlantic air masses. After partition coefficients and enrichment factor estimation, similar sources could be assigned for the ionic and metal composition of bulk deposition at seven urban sites.     

Elemental characterization and source identification of PM2.5 using Positive Matrix Factorization: The Malraux road tunnel, Nice, France

This work was dedicated to the characterization of the elemental composition of atmospheric particles associated with urban traffic. PM_2.5 sampling campaigns were conducted in an urban road tunnel within the area of Nice: the Malraux tunnel. Samples were analyzed by ICP-MS-DRC for the determination of 16 metallic trace elements: Na, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Rb, Cd, Sn, Sb and Pb. An in depth study was carried out on the PM_2.5 dataset collected with specific characterisation tools (enrichment factors, elemental ratio) and a receptor model: the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF). The model showed that different profiles of emission could influence the ambient air of the tunnel and their contribution to the metal concentration in the air. Elemental fingerprints were used to attribute to each profile a specific emission source linked to road traffic. Finally, results showed that road traffic emissions could be divided into 3 main “subcategory” sources of emission: “soil resuspension” by automobile movement, “vehicular wear” and “fuel combustion”.