title: Integrated assessment of air pollution by metals and source apportionment using ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) in southern Brazil.
abstract: One of the biggest environmental problems existing today is air pollution, which is characterized by the presence of toxic gases and metal pollutants, the latter of which is generally associated with emissions of particulate matter (PM) from industries or automotive vehicles. Biomonitoring is a method that can be used to assess air pollution levels because it makes it possible to determine what effects these air pollutants cause in living organisms and their responses. The species Lolium multiflorum Lam., known as ryegrass, is considered a good bioindicator of metals, since it accumulates these substances during exposure. This study proposes to conduct an integrated assessment of air quality using two different monitoring methodologies: biomonitoring with L. multiflorum and active monitoring in areas with different levels of urbanization and industrialization. Concentrations found in ryegrass plants revealed high levels of Pb, Cr, Zn, and Cu, indicating that vehicular and industrial emissions were the main sources of pollution. Analysis of PM also revealed soot and biogenic particles, which can transport metals. Therefore, with the proposed method, the anthropogenic impact on air pollution in the investigated area could be clearly demonstrated.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Exact and Technological Sciences, University Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
authors.forename: Júlia Carolina
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Illi
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health Sciences, University Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
authors.forename: Tafael
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Vancetta
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Program in Environmental Quality, University Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, 93510-250, Brazil. darlandaniel@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Darlan Daniel
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Alves
authors.affiliation: Institute of Exact and Technological Sciences, University Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.|Postgraduate Program in Environmental Quality, University Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, 93510-250, Brazil.
authors.forename: Daniela Montanari Migliavacca
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Osório
authors.affiliation: Institute of Exact and Technological Sciences, University Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
authors.forename: Liane
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bianchin
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Program in Environmental Quality, University Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, 93510-250, Brazil.
authors.forename: Daniela Müller
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: de Quevedo
authors.affiliation: University of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Juchem
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000032:analysis; D001938:Brazil; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D007221:Industry; D008129:Lolium; D008670:Metals / Q000032:analysis; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D008670:Metals; D052638:Particulate Matter
keywords: Air pollution; L. multiflorum; Metallic elements; Monitoring; Ryegrass; SEM/EDS