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.     

Spatial and Temporal Variations of Trace Element Contents in Xanthoria Parietina Thalli Collected in a Highly Industrialized Area in Northern France as an Element for a Future Epidemiological Study

This work was made in Dunkirk, which is located on the French coast, in the north, near Belgium and Great Britain. The study concerned the industrial and urban surroundings of Dunkirk and Dunkirk itself. Objectives of our study is (1) to monitor spatial patterns and temporal trends (1995–2003) of trace element (As, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb, V, Zn) deposition and (2) to make a first evaluation of exposed population to highest metals concentrations. This work is the first step of future epidemiological investigation. In 1995, the high lead concentrations were due to industrial emissions and to traffic. Zinc and arsenic concentrations were also high and widespread in the entire studied zone, but higher near industrial area. Mercury concentrations were limited in the western part and clearly revealed the impact of waste incinerator. We did not find any significant difference between trace element contents in lichens between 1995 and 2003 except for mercury, which decreased. In 2003, the contamination by lead was more focused in the biggest metallurgical plant, which is now the predominant source for this element. The traffic impact decreased, but there was still lead remaining. For the other elements the highest concentrations were observed near the industrial zone. Highest contaminations concern 25–33% of the population, who live near industrial zone in districts where annual average incomes are the lowest. Those results confirm the needs for a further epidemiological study, which could take place in priority where population is the most exposed.     

Air Pollution Studies in Central Russia (Tver and Yaroslavl Regions) Using the Moss Biomonitoring Technique and Neutron Activation Analysis

Data of 34 elements, including heavy metals, halogens, rare earth elements, U, and Th in 139 moss samples, collected in Central Russia in 2000–2002 in the Tver and Yaroslavl regions and in the northern part of the Moscow region, are presented. Factor analysis with VARIMAX rotation was applied to identify possible sources of the elements determined in the mosses. The seven resulting factors represent crust, vegetation and anthropogenic components. Some of the factors were interpreted as being associated with ferrous smelters (Fe, Zn, Sb, Ta); combination of non-ferrous smelters and other industries (Mn, Co, Mo, Cr, Ni, W); an oil-refining plant, and oil combustion at the thermal power plant (V, Ni). The geographical distribution patterns of the factor scores are also presented. Dependency equations of elemental content in mosses versus distance from the source were derived.     

Impact of Air Pollution on Genetic Material of Shallot (Allium cepa L. var. ascalonicum) Exposed at Differently Polluted Sites in Slovenia

Test shallot plants Allium cepa L. var. ascalonicum were exposed to field conditions at six research plots in the most polluted areas in Slovenia in the vegetation seasons in 1999 and 2000. The intention of this research was to evaluate the influence of air pollution on mitotic activity and frequency of chromosomal aberrations in meristematic tissues of root tips of bioindication plants. Significant differences in the mitotic index and in frequency of chromosomal aberrations at different sampling plots in pot experiments were found and the correlation between the ozone concentration and the mitotic index was determined. The results showed the presence of cytotoxic substances at chosen sampling sites, which caused the decrease of mitotic cell division and the presence of genotoxic substances, which resulted in the increase of frequency of chromosomal aberrations.     

High spatial resolution monitoring of benzene and toluene in the Urban Area of Taranto (Italy)

Atmospheric concentrations of benzene and toluene were assessed during three different seasons in the city of Taranto, using Radiello® diffusive samplers, in order to detect the most critical areas and to point out the sources contributing to pollution (vehicular traffic or industrial activities). High spatial resolution maps were built using a grid of 30 meshes drawn on the urban area of the city. For each mesh a monitoring site as representative as possible was chosen. Besides, in order to describe the highest levels of pollutants to which people is exposed, other 10 sampling sites were detected near high vehicular traffic crossroads or in particular critical zones of the city. The measurements of the concentration of these pollutants were carried out with Radiello® diffusive samplers for thermal desorption. The analysis of the results and the comparison between the map of vehicular traffic flows and the map of the concentrations of benzene suggested that in urban area the main benzene source is the traffic and the most significant pollution phenomena happens in zones characterized by narrow roads. Moreover it was possible to observe that high concentrations of benzene found in the NE zone of Taranto could be assigned to the industrial activities. This hypothesis was confirmed considering the diagnostic ratio between the toluene and benzene concentrations.     

中国科学院珠穆朗玛峰大气与环境综合观测研究站:一个新的研究喜马拉雅山区地气相互作用过程的综合基地

喜马拉雅山区的高海拔冰雪覆盖使主山体两侧形成下泄流,而在强太阳辐射的加热作用下,无冰雪覆盖的周边山体形成山谷风环流.上述两者叠加形成地气间的强烈交换过程.这种交换过程使得地面的物质和能量与北半球自由大气相联系,将青藏高原置于全球变化的背景中.在本文中作者介绍了中国科学院珠穆朗玛峰大气与环境综合观测研究站的建站背景及其研究喜马拉雅山地气相互作用过程中的作用,同时介绍了台站建设及其在该地区地气相互作用研究中所取得的初步研究成果.