Mapping and modeling airborne urban phenanthrene distribution using vegetation biomonitoring
Elizabeth M Noth1, S Katharine Hammond1, Gregory S Biging2
1Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, 50 University Hall #7360, Berkeley, CA 94720-7360, USA.
Atmospheric Environment (Oxford, England : 1994)
|November 12, 2019
Summary
Jeffrey pine needles effectively biomonitored phenanthrene in Fresno, revealing spatial clustering linked to urban sources like highways and industrial zones. This method provides a fine-resolution view of air pollution patterns.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Urban Ecology
- Biomonitoring
Background:
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) like phenanthrene are significant urban air pollutants with adverse health effects.
- Characterizing fine-resolution spatial variation of PAHs in metropolitan areas is challenging.
- Vegetation biomonitoring is a feasible approach, as PAHs enter plants primarily from the air into leaves.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the spatial distribution of phenanthrene in an urban environment using vegetation biomonitoring.
- To identify potential sources influencing phenanthrene concentrations in Fresno.
- To develop a predictive model for airborne phenanthrene distribution.
Main Methods:
- Collected 99 Jeffrey pine needle samples from 91 locations in Fresno.
- Analyzed pine needles for phenanthrene concentration using established analytical techniques.
- Applied land use regression modeling to correlate phenanthrene levels with urban features.
Main Results:
- All samples detected phenanthrene, with a mean concentration of 41.0 ng g-1.
- Phenanthrene distribution exhibited statistically significant spatial clustering (Moran's I = 0.035).
- The land use regression model explained 56% of the variability (R² = 0.56), highlighting influences from highways, railroads, and industrial/commercial zones.
Conclusions:
- Jeffrey pine needles serve as effective biomonitors for urban phenanthrene.
- The spatial pattern of phenanthrene is strongly influenced by urban infrastructure and land use.
- Biomonitoring combined with spatial modeling offers valuable insights into urban air quality.
