Active Biomonitoring of Atmospheric Element Deposition in the Heating Period of Tangshan Using <i>Ramalina sinensis</i>

Abstract

Tangshan is known as a typical heavy industrial city with serious atmospheric pollution. It suffers the most serious atmospheric pollution during the winter heating period. This study aims to explore the level and spatial distribution of atmospheric element deposition in the study area and validate the suitability of Ramalina sinensis (RSI) as an active biomonitor in North China cities. RSI was transplanted to Tangshan in winter (Dec. 2016-Mar. 2017) and exposed for 17 weeks. The concentration of 51 elements was tested using an ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer). The results showed that the exposure concentration of all elements but Ag was significantly higher than the background value. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that K, P, and Rb were separated into the group G5, and these nutrients have a lower level of bioaccumulation than other groups. The remaining 47 elements were classified into groups G1 (