Biomonitoring urban air pollution using transplanted lichens: element concentrations across seasons

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Biomonitoring
• Trace Element Analysis

Background:

• Urban areas face significant pollution from traffic and industry.
• Lichens like Evernia prunastri are effective bioindicators of air quality.
• Seasonal variations can influence pollutant deposition and uptake.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the bioaccumulation of trace elements in Evernia prunastri.
• To investigate seasonal differences in element concentrations due to pollution.
• To understand the role of particulate matter and rainfall in bioaccumulation.

Main Methods:

• Transplantation of lichen samples across different seasons.
• Analysis of trace element concentrations in lichen tissues.
• Calculation of exposed-to-control (EC) ratios for data interpretation.
• Correlation with airborne particulate matter (PM10) data.

Main Results:

• Most trace elements showed no significant seasonal differences.
• Aluminum (Al) and Sodium (Na) were higher in summer.
• Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), and Titanium (Ti) were higher in winter.
• Pollution levels were high, with increased PM10 in winter.
• Seasonal rainfall patterns likely affected element solubilization and leaching.

Conclusions:

• Evernia prunastri effectively bioaccumulates pollutants in urban environments.
• Seasonal variations in rainfall influence trace element uptake by lichens.
• The study highlights the impact of traffic and industrial pollution on air quality.