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05:07
Assessing the Particulate Matter Removal Abilities of Tree Leaves
Published on: October 7, 2018
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Halogenated flame retardants in tree samples applied as bioindicators for atmospheric pollution
Annekatrin Dreyer1, Frank Neugebauer2, Heinz Rüdel3
1Eurofins GfA GmbH, Air Monitoring, Hamburg, Germany.
Chemosphere
|June 8, 2018
Summary
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and other halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) are widespread in Germany. Trees effectively indicate atmospheric HFR pollution, with decreasing PBDEs but stable levels of newer HFRs over time.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Ecotoxicology
- Atmospheric Science
Background:
- Halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) are widely used in consumer products.
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are legacy HFRs, while others like Dechlorane Plus (DP) and dechlorane plus diphenylether (DPTE) are emerging contaminants.
- Understanding the environmental distribution and bioaccumulation of HFRs is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the occurrence and distribution of 24 PBDEs and 19 other HFRs in coniferous shoots and deciduous tree leaves across Germany.
- To investigate temporal trends of HFRs using historic samples dating back to 2003.
- To evaluate the suitability of trees as bioindicators for atmospheric HFR pollution.
Main Methods:
- Samples collected from 10 sites in Germany (2015-2016) and historic samples (from 2003).
- Soxhlet extraction followed by multi-step clean-up including gel permeation chromatography.
- Analysis using Gas Chromatography-Atmospheric Pressure Ionization-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-API-MS/MS) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
Main Results:
- Emerging HFRs (Dechlorane Plus, DPTE, DBDPE, ATE) were detected region-wide, indicating atmospheric presence.
- Highest concentrations found for DBDPE, DPTE, BDE209, BDE47, and DP.
- Uniform distribution and similar HFR profiles in conifer and deciduous tree samples suggest long-range atmospheric transport.
- Historic samples showed decreasing PBDE levels, but no clear trend for other HFRs.
Conclusions:
- Coniferous shoots and deciduous tree leaves are suitable bioindicators for atmospheric HFR pollution.
- Widespread occurrence of emerging HFRs highlights the need for continued monitoring.
- Long-range transport is a significant factor in the distribution of HFRs in the environment.
- Temporal trends indicate a decline in PBDEs but stability in some newer HFRs.
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