Use of lichens as pollution biomonitors in remote areas: comparison of PAhs extracted from lichens and atmospheric particles sampled in and around the Somport tunnel (Pyrenees).
Lichens of the species Parmelia sulcata were collected from sites on both sides of the Somport tunnel (which links France and Spain) and atmospheric particles were collected by air samplers installed within and on either side of the tunnel. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the lichen and particle samples were then extracted, identified, quantified, and compared to evaluate the potential utility of lichens as pollution biomonitors in remote areas. The origin of the PAHs was also assessed using the Phe/Ant, Flu/Pyr, Ant/Ant+Phe, Flu/Flu+Pyr, and BaA/BaA+Chr concentration ratios. The total concentration of 16 priority PAHs ranged from 6.79 to 23.3 microg/g in particles outside the tunnel, from 18.3 to 265.2 microg/g in particles inside the tunnel, and from 0.91 to 1.92 microg/g in the lichen samples. The PAH ratios found in the lichens and particulate matter indicate that they were of pyrogenic origin and that road traffic was a major contributor. Results from the lichen samples suggest that they may be excellent biomonitors of pollution in remote areas.
Blasco
María
M
Grupo GUIA-Instituto de Investigación de Ingeniería en Aragón (I3A), Centro Superior de Ingenieros (CPS), María de Luna 3, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain.
Domeño
Celia
C
Nerín
Cristina
C
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D005602:France; D008011:Lichens / Q000378:metabolism*; D010316:Particle Size; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis*; D013030:Spain; D001335:Vehicle Emissions / Q000032:analysis
D000393:Air Pollutants; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D001335:Vehicle Emissions