Variations of sulfur isotope ratios in a single lichen thallus: A potential historical archive for sulfur pollution.
Utilizing the analytical capability to measure S isotope ratios of small quantities of S in biological material without any chemical pretreatment, the variation of δ(34)S within a lichen thallus was investigated using old and young segments of fruticose lichen thalli (Alectoria sarmentosa) from an oil refinery area in Come-By-Chance and two coastal areas, Newfoundland, Canada. Old segments of lichen samples from the oil refinery area showed significantly higher δ(34)S values (1.0-2.5‰) than their corresponding young segments. Lichen samples from two coastal areas showed no noticeable differences in δ(34)S values between old and young segments. These results demonstrate that lichen thalli record temporal changes in the isotopic composition of atmospheric S and hence constitute a historical archive of atmospheric S pollution.
Yun
Misuk
M
Department of Earth Sciences and Environmental Science Program, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada A1B 3X5. yun@cc.umanitoba.ca
Wadleigh
Moire A
MA
Mayer
Bernhard
B
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D007219:Industrial Oils / Q000032:analysis; D008011:Lichens / Q000737:chemistry*; D009523:Newfoundland and Labrador; D013460:Sulfur Isotopes / Q000032:analysis
D000393:Air Pollutants; D013460:Sulfur Isotopes