Impact of Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) from a Thermoelectric Power Plant on Morpho-Functional Traits of Rhizophora mangle L. Leaves

Abstract

A conventional thermoelectric plant (TP) in the sandy bar of the Tampamachoco Lagoon (Gulf of Mexico slope) emits particulate matter (PM) transporting trace metals that affect a mangrove forest. Wind transports the emission plume from north to south in the northerly wind season (NWS); the dry season (DS) showed calm periods. We analyzed whether PM2.5 and PM10 emissions from the TP and their trace metals impact Rhizophora mangle leaves. The experimental design included three sampling sites along the main lagoon axis (north to south) during the NWS and DS. Mangrove leaves were collected; PM was obtained with a cascade impactor and trace elements were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Leaves were measured and tested for metal and chlorophyll content, and for metal detection with SEM-EDX. Calm periods in the DS promote high atmospheric PM concentrations. Wet deposition in the NWS caused the highest trace metal deposition on mangrove leaves. A north-to-south gradient was identified on the mangrove forest, being the south site of the lagoon where lower chlorophyll and leaf area, higher stomatal width and density, and higher Cd concentrations were recorded. The morpho-physiological modifications observed on mangrove leaves affect functions such as photosynthesis and gas exchange.

Industrial Emission Monitoring and Assessment of Air Quality in Karachi Coastal City, Pakistan

“…The impact also depends on the source of PM origin, which modifies the physical, chemical and biological properties. The deposition of a particle on soil increases soil fertility; however, the higher PM 2.5 results in excessive deposition that impacts the health of plants [53]. The trace elements from industrial emissions also imbalance the quality of the soil.…”

Emissions to the atmosphere by power plants in Baja California Sur, Mexico

“…Measurements of emissions released to the atmosphere by power plants have been conducted elsewhere. In Veracruz-Mexico, Ayala-Cortés et al (2023) studied the impact of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) from a thermoelectric power plant on morpho-functional traits of Rhizophora mangle L. leaves. In Qatar, Rey-Pommier et al (2023), presented a study where nitrogen dioxide emissions from gas-fired power plants were estimated from 2019 to 2022 using spaceborne retrievals of nitrogen dioxide columns at high spatial resolution using data from the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument.…”