Recognition of environmental trace metal contamination using pine needles as bioindicators. The urban area of Palermo (Italy) |
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| Authors: | M G Alaimo G Dongarrà M R Melati F Monna D Varrica |
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| Institution: | (1) Dipartimento di Scienze Botaniche, Via Archirafi 40, 90123 Palermo, Italy, IT;(2) Dipart. Chimica e Fisica della Terra (CFTA), Via Archirafi 36, 90123 Palermo, Italy, IT;(3) Istituto di Geochimica dei Fluidi, Via U. La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy, IT;(4) Institut F.A. Forel, 10 route de Suisse, 1290 Versoix, Switzerland, CH |
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| Abstract: | Pinus pinea L., collected in and around the city of Palermo were analysed for major and trace elements by INAA and ICP-MS. The chemical
composition of pine needles suggests that the presence of Pb, Sb and Br in excess with respect to soil composition is due
to anthropogenic emissions. The anomalously high values of these elements observed in the urban area decrease outside town.
Lead isotope data confirm the anthropogenic origin of lead. The origin of Zn and Cu excess remains uncertain at the moment,
although wholly-crustal origin appears doubtful. Morphological alterations attributable to phenol accumulation, such as modifications
in the length of mesophyll cells and the appearance of lacunae in the distal portions, were observed in needles. The accumulation
of phenols, linked to the presence of lead, gives rise to a specific pattern of metabolites providing mechanisms of detoxification
and protection, so that the accumulation degree may be proposed as a marker of environmental pollution.
Received: 4 June 1999 · Accepted: 24 June 1999 |
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| Keywords: | Environmental geochemistry Trace metals Particulate matter Biogeochemistry |
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