Tracking atmospheric dispersion of metals in Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan region (Brazil) with epiphytes as bioindicators

Abstract

The atmospheric dispersion atmospheric plume of the metropolitan region and neighborhoods of the city of Rio de Janeiro was investigated through elemental analyzes (Na, K, Al, Mn, Pb, Ni, Cr) and stable lead isotopes in two epiphytes; the lichen Parmotrema crinitum (Ach.) and the bromeliad Tillandsia usneoides (L.). All the elements had lower concentrations in epiphytes than in rocks of the local geological basement, with the exception of K, which was similar to rocks. This behavior was attributed to the nutritional essentiality and abundance of this element in the environment. The concentrations of Na, Pb and the 206 Pb/ 207 Pb and 208 Pb/ 206 Pb ratios indicated the presence of spatial gradients in the path (a) sea shore → continent, and (b) urban center → farmlands. These patterns were associated with the mesoscale atmospheric circulation regime, in which, during the arrival of cold fronts, air masses from the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro are transported towards the mountainous region of Teresópolis, which acts as a barrier to the dispersion of pollutants. The bromeliad Tillandsia usneoides and the lichen Parmotrema crinitum were linked to Na and Pb atmospheric levels, respectively.

Zinc and selenium as modulating factors of the anatomy and physiology of Billbergia zebrina (Bromeliaceae) during in vitro culture

“…The results of the analysis provide information about the quality of their environment. Some studies have already shown potential use of bromeliad species as biomonitors (Cardoso-Gustavson et al 2016, Martins et al 2016, Marques Junior et al 2018, Benítez et al 2019. A study carried out under in vitro conditions showed that the species B. zebrina and Aechmea blanchetiana, both belonging to the Bromeliaceae family, have the potential for biomonitoring of Cu (Martins et al 2016(Martins et al , 2020.…”

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

“…It has a limited quantity of monitoring sites with uneven geographical distribution and often does not include heavy metals in monitoring programs. Compared with the traditional methods, the lichen biomonitoring technique has advantages, such as low cost, easier sampling, easier analyses of elements, non-dependence on power supply, and collecting information on diverse heavy metals integrated over a period of a few weeks to years with minimal effect of momentary changes in deposits [11][12][13][14][15]. The main disadvantage of this technique is that it presents an indirect indicator rather than a direct measure of atmospheric deposition [16].…”

Synthesis and characterization of ternary composite g-C3N4-WO3/rGO for photocatalytic activity in degradation of methylene blue

“…Fast industrialization, new growth processes and increasing population have been continuously deteriorated global environment [1,2]. The organic pollutants from various sources like industrial, agricultural, chemical spills have been polluting water dangerously which is becoming threat for human as well as aquatic organisms [3].…”