The epiphytic lichen hypogymnia physodes as a biomonitor of atmospheric nitrogen and sulphur deposition in Norway

Hypogymnia physodes was sampled from 179 sites of Scots pine forests regularly distributed throughout Norway. The purpose was to map the nitrogen and sulphur contents of lichen thalli on a large-scale geographical basis, and to relate these values to differences in atmospheric deposition and climate.The lichen nitrogen and sulphur concentrations showed large differences; the highest concentration values being 4–5 times greater than the lowest. The highest nitrogen and sulphur values occurred along the coast of southern Norway and on some sites in the inland of southern Norway. There was a close correlation between the two elements. The lichen N/S ratio decreased with increasing latitude.The nitrogen and sulphur contents ofHypogymnia physodes were both significantly correlated to estimated atmospheric deposition of these two elements in Norway. The degree of explanation improved when climatic variables such as temperature sum, altitude, annual precipitation and temperature were included. Factors promoting growth, such as high bark pH, mild winters, hot summers, high precipitation, high ammonium deposition and high evapotranspiration, were all associated with lower lichen nitrogen and/or sulphur concentrations. Unfavourable growth conditions, such as at high altitude, was related to higher concentrations than expected from deposition models. This indicates that differences in element concentration between nearby localities might be related to local differences in climate and lichen growth conditions. This should be taken into consideration whenever using lichens for biomonitoring.     

Investigating the impacts of some meteorological parameters on air pollution in Balikesir, Turkey

Air pollution is one of the most important environmental problems in Balikesir, situated in the western part of Turkey, during the winter periods. The unfavorable climate as well as the city’s topography, and inappropriate fuel usage cause serious air pollution problems. The air pollutant concentrations in the city have a close relationship with meteorological parameters. In the present study, the relationship between daily average total suspended particulate (TSP) and sulphur dioxide (SO₂) concentrations measured between 1999–2005 winter seasons were correlated with meteorological factors, such as wind speed, temperature, relative humidity and pressure. This statistical analysis was achieved using the stepwise multiple linear regression method. According to the results obtained through the analysis, higher TSP and SO₂ concentrations are strongly related to colder temperatures, lower wind speed, higher atmospheric pressure and higher relative humidity. The statistical models of SO₂ and TSP gave correlation coefficient values (R ²) of 0.735 and 0.656, respectively.     

Relationship between airborne fungal allergens and meteorological factors in Manisa City, Turkey

In this study, the effect of relative humidity, temperature, and wind on airborne fungal allergens in the 11 different districts of Manisa City was investigated from January 2004 to December 2005. The aim of this study was to conduct a survey to get to know the relation between wind, temperature, and relative humidity and population of allergenic fungal spores in the atmosphere. A total of 792 samples were observed by using the Merck MAS100 air sampler and 12,988 fungal colonies were counted. Fourteen fungal genera could be determined; Cladosporium that was generally found as the predominant genus followed by Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria. During the entire study, seasonal variation was found to be related to atmospheric conditions especially. The optimal conditions of meteorological factors for the fungi growth resulted in the increased number of mycoflora, qualitatively and quantitatively.     

Influence of Meteorological Parameters on Particulates and Atmospheric Pollutants at Taichung Harbor Sampling Site

Atmospheric aerosol particles and metallic concentrations, ionic species were monitored at the Experimental harbor of Taichung sampling site in this study. This work attempted to characterize metallic elements and ionic species associated with meteorological conditions variation on atmospheric particulate matter in TSP, PM_2.5, PM_2.5–10. The concentration distribution trend between TSP, PM_2.5, PM_2.5–10 particle concentration at the TH (Taichung harbor) sampling site were also displayed in this study. Besides, the meteorological conditions variation of metallic elements (Fe, Mg, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn and Pb) and ions species (Cl⁻, NO₃ ⁻, SO₄ ²⁻, NH₄ ⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺ and Na⁺) concentrations attached with those particulate were also analyzed in this study. On non-parametric (Spearman) correlation analysis, the results indicated that the meteorological conditions have high correlation at largest particulate concentrations for TSP at TH sampling site in this study. In addition, the temperature and relative humidity of meteorological conditions that played a key role to affect particulate matter (PM) and have higher correlations then other meteorological conditions such as wind speed and atmospheric pressure. The parameter temperature and relative humidity also have high correlations with atmospheric pollutants compared with those of the other meteorological variables (wind speed, atmospheric pressure and prevalent wind direction). In addition, relative statistical equations between pollutants and meteorological variables were also characterized in this study.     

Dispersion and bioaccumulation of elements from an open-pit olivine mine in Southwest Greenland assessed using lichens, seaweeds, mussels and fish

This study investigated dispersion and bioaccumulation of mining-related elements from an open-pit olivine mine at Seqi in Southwest Greenland (64°?N) using lichens (Flavocetraria nivalis), seaweeds (Fucus vesiculosus), mussels (Mytilus edulis) and fish (Myoxocephalus scorpius). The mine operated between 2005 and 2009, and samples were taken every year within a monitoring area 0–17 km from the mine during the period 2004–2011. A total of 46 elements were analysed in the samples. After mining began, highly elevated metal concentrations, especially nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe) and cobalt (Co), were observed in lichens relative to pre-mining levels (up to a factor of 130) caused by dust dispersion from the mining activity. Elevated metal concentrations could be measured in lichens in distances up to ~5 km from the mine/ore treatment facility. Moderately elevated concentrations of Ni and Cr (up to a factor of 7) were also observed in seaweeds and mussels but only in close vicinity (<1 km) to the mine. Analyses of fish showed no significant changes in element composition. After mine closure, the elevated metal concentrations in lichens, seaweeds and mussels decreased markedly, and in 2011, significantly elevated metal concentrations could only be measured in lichens and only within a distance of 1 km from the mine.     

Lichen biomonitoring of mercury emission and deposition in mining,geothermal and volcanic areas of Italy

Natural emissions of Hg are attracting increased interest both for their environmental implications and for possible applications in the exploration of mineral, petroleum and geothermal fields. However, daily and seasonal fluctuations in concentrations of Hg in the atmosphere, caused by meteorological and environmental variables, has made it very difficult to assess Hg anomalies by conventional analytical procedures. Some species of widespread foliose lichens from an abandoned cinnabar mining and smelting area (Mt. Amiata), geothermal fields (Larderello, Bagnore and Piancastagnaio, Central Italy), and active volcanic areas (Mt. Etna and Vulcano, Southern Italy) seem to be very suitable biomonitors of gaseous Hg; especially as lichen thalli have an Hg content which reflects average values measured in air samples. We discuss the advantages of quantitative biological monitoring by lichens with respect to conventional air sampling in large-scale monitoring.     

Atmospheric background trace elements deposition in Tierra del Fuego region (Patagonia,Argentina), using transplanted <Emphasis Type="Italic">Usnea barbata</Emphasis> lichens

Lichen, Usnea barbata, transplants taken from Tierra del Fuego (south Patagonia, Argentina) were tested as potential biomonitors of atmospheric airborne deposition in an apparently pristine environment. In 2005, lichens were sampled in a reference site (n = 31) and transplanted in the northern Region of Tierra del Fuego. After, respectively, 1 month and 1 year of exposure, we collected them. The aim of the study was to determine the bioaccumulation of 26 elements in order to evaluate the background levels in the selected area. Samples were analyzed by the sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Discriminant analysis on principal component analysis factors was applied in order to explore the relationship among the different elements as far as time and spatial variation in transplants regards. The analysis was tested by Monte Carlo test based on 999 replicates. The most important contamination source resulted to be the atmospheric soil particle deposition. Furthermore, the results were compared with those obtained from the lichens collected in central and southern Tierra del Fuego. This study confirms the ability of U. barbata to reflect the background levels of the 26 elements in that environment. Compared with other background sites in the world, we did confirm that Tierra del Fuego lichens have a low content of the studied elements. Tierra del Fuego turned out not to be a pristine environment as supposed, but it can be considered as a reference basal ecosystem for useful comparisons among different geographical areas. These findings can be very relevant and useful for environmental conservation programs.     

THE IMPACT OF GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANTS ON FOREST VEGETATION. A CASE STUDY AT TRAVALE (TUSCANY, CENTRAL ITALY)

A survey of the crown status of Turkey oak Quercus cerris L.) trees in the boron-rich area atTravale (Southern Tuscany, Italy) was carried outin order to evaluate the impact ofgeothermal power plants. Crown thinness was assessed andmorphological and chemical tests werecarried out on leaf samples. Leaf area and dry weight weredetermined as morphological parameters;while the chemical measurements performed included nitrogenand potassium (among the nutrients),and sulphur, boron, arsenic and mercury (among the elements ofgeothermal origin). Acute damagewas found only in the area immediately adjacent to the outletsand is the result of the action of boron;crown thinness, on the other hand, is affected by the natureof the geological substrate. High quantitiesof sulphur were found in leaves throughout the survey area,due both to the availability of this elementin the geopedological substrate and to the atmospheric inputof geothermal H2S. The leafcontent of this element correlates negatively with thedistance from the power plants. Boron andarsenic are the other geothermal origin elements most commonlyfound in plant matrices. The presenceof these two elements is associated with leaf area reductionand/or an increase of specific dry weight.The most significant impact on the environment appears to beexerted by the southernmost powerplant, where there is an unfavourable ratio between quantityof emissions and height of the chimneys.     

北京市2013年1月一次空气重污染过程分析

采用数值模式与观测资料相结合的方式,对北京市2013年1月9～15日一次空气重污染过程的大气环境背景、气象条件和形成原因进行了初步分析。结果表明,此次重污染过程北京市空气质量从9日的二级跳至10日五级重度污染,11日一13日空气质量维持连续3d严重污染,14日降为重度污染,15日转为轻度污染;重污染过程期间10—14日P（PM2.5）平均值为323μg／m。,平均风速为1．47m／s,平均相对湿度为73．6％,24h变温基本为一2．72～2．68℃,24h平均变压为一3．65～2．63hPa。指出,此次重污染过程与当地气象条件密切相关,稳定的大气环流形势为污染的持续提供了大气环流背景,风速较小、湿度较大、边界层较低、持续逆温是造成重污染的主要原因,地面风场辐合及边界层下沉运动是造成重污染的重要原因。     

Statistical analysis of aerosol species, trace gasses, and meteorology in Chicago

Both canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to atmospheric aerosol and trace gas concentrations and meteorological data collected in Chicago during the summer months of 2002, 2003, and 2004. Concentrations of ammonium, calcium, nitrate, sulfate, and oxalate particulate matter, as well as, meteorological parameters temperature, wind speed, wind direction, and humidity were subjected to CCA and PCA. Ozone and nitrogen oxide mixing ratios were also included in the data set. The purpose of statistical analysis was to determine the extent of existing linear relationship(s), or lack thereof, between meteorological parameters and pollutant concentrations in addition to reducing dimensionality of the original data to determine sources of pollutants. In CCA, the first three canonical variate pairs derived were statistically significant at the 0.05 level. Canonical correlation between the first canonical variate pair was 0.821, while correlations of the second and third canonical variate pairs were 0.562 and 0.461, respectively. The first canonical variate pair indicated that increasing temperatures resulted in high ozone mixing ratios, while the second canonical variate pair showed wind speed and humidity’s influence on local ammonium concentrations. No new information was uncovered in the third variate pair. Canonical loadings were also interpreted for information regarding relationships between data sets. Four principal components (PCs), expressing 77.0 % of original data variance, were derived in PCA. Interpretation of PCs suggested significant production and/or transport of secondary aerosols in the region (PC1). Furthermore, photochemical production of ozone and wind speed’s influence on pollutants were expressed (PC2) along with overall measure of local meteorology (PC3). In summary, CCA and PCA results combined were successful in uncovering linear relationships between meteorology and air pollutants in Chicago and aided in determining possible pollutant sources.     

Estimation of Ozone Trend in Central Greece, Based on Meteorologically Adjusted Time Series

Data referring to an approximately 8-year period (1999–2007) are analyzed in order to estimate the trend of the daily maximum hourly value of ozone concentration at the east coast of central Greece, where the summer background ozone concentration is high. A Kolmogorov–Zurbenko filter is applied to remove the short-term component from the raw time series of ozone and meteorological variables. Regression models are developed in order to produce meteorologically adjusted ozone time series, involving the noise-free temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed as independent variables. The analysis verifies that the meteorological adjustment provides better results on estimating ozone’s trend, which is found to be increasing (α?=?0.001) with an annual rate of 1.34?±?0.07?μg/m³. This trend could mainly be attributed to policy and changes in the emissions of ozone’s precursors. Additionally, the short-term component of ozone concentration is also meteorologically adjusted and its impact on the trend is examined. The analysis shows that its contribution is of minor importance when the ozone trend is adjusted by temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. Moreover, the sea breeze circulation system that is frequently developed in the area influences the short-term and seasonal ozone variation, and therefore, it should be taken into account when producing meteorologically adjusted time series. The study’s conclusions could be exploited by environmental and agricultural authorities in order to develop their long-term strategies towards the air quality management.     

Accumulation of nitrogen and changes in assimilation pigments of lichens transplanted in an agricultural area

The results of a survey aimed at testing the hypothesis that the lichen Evernia prunastri, when transplanted in an agricultural area with high atmospheric NH₃ concentrations, would respond to NH₃ air pollution accumulating nitrogen in its thalli and showing changes in the concentration of assimilation pigments are presented. The results confirmed the hypothesis and showed that all lichen transplants accumulated nitrogen, suggesting that besides the release of atmospheric ammonia by animal stockfarms, the use of N-based fertilizers and the deposition of N-rich dust also may contribute to the high nitrogen availability to lichens in the study area. The result indicated that in the study area both the critical level of NH₃ and the critical load of N for lichens are exceeded and physiological damage is to be expected in sensitive species. The results of assimilation pigments in E. prunastri, with a decrease in the concentration of chlorophylls a and b and carotenoids, as well as chlorophyll degradation to phaeophytin, confirmed this hypothesis. However, owing to the limited data set and pending further studies, these conclusions should be considered as limited to the study area.     

Analysis of heavy metals in atmospheric particulates in relation to their bioaccumulation in explanted Pseudevernia furfuracea thalli

Lichens explants and airborne particulates were analysed for Cr, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, Fe, Mn and Cu content in a rural site in the province of Vercelli (Piedmont, N. Italy). Thalliof the fruticose lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea were collected from an uncontaminated area and exposed for one yearusing two different techniques. Particulates were collected using a continuously operating particulate sampler set up nearthe lichens explanted throughout the experiment survey.The results confirm both the importance of assessing contamination in rural areas corroborated by the analysis of the presence of the heavy metals in particulates in relationto the main wind directions and the validity of this lichen asbiomonitor of airborne metal pollution, although meaningfuldifferences were pointed out between the two different techniques of exposure. The significant correlation between most of the metals accumulated by lichens and the metal air concentrations shows a good evidence of their ability to represent atmospheric contamination.     

Correlations in the chemical composition of rural background atmospheric aerosol in the UK determined in real time using time-of-flight mass spectrometry

An aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ATOFMS) was used to determine, in real time, the size and chemical composition of individual particles in the atmosphere at the remote inland site of Eskdalemuir, Scotland. A total of 51,980 particles, in the size range 0.3-7.4 microm, were detected between the 25th and 30th June 2001. Rapid changes in the number density, size and chemical composition of the atmospheric aerosol were observed. These changes are attributed to two distinct types of air mass; a polluted air mass that had passed over the British mainland before reaching Eskdalemuir, interposed between two cleaner air masses that had arrived directly from the sea. Such changes in the background aerosol could clearly be very important to studies of urban aerosols and attempts at source apportionment. The results of an objective method of data analysis are presented. Correlations were sought between the occurrence of: lithium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, beryllium, strontium, barium, ammonium, amines, nitrate, nitrite, boron, mercury, sulfate, phosphate, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and carbon (both elemental and organic hydrocarbon) in both fine (d < 2.5 microm) and coarse (d > 2.5 microm) particle fractions. Several previously unreported correlations were observed, for instance between the elements lithium, beryllium and boron. The results suggest that about 2 in 3 of all fine particles (by number rather than by mass), and 1 in 2 of all coarse particles containing carbon, consisted of elemental carbon rather than organic hydrocarbon (although a bias in the sensitivity of the ATOFMS could have affected these numbers). The ratio of the number of coarse particles containing nitrate anions to the number of particles containing chloride anions exceeded unity when the air mass had travelled over the British mainland. The analysis also illustrates that an air mass of marine origin that had travelled slowly over agricultural land can accumulate amines and ammonium.     

Soil Contribution to the Elemental Composition of Epiphytic Lichens (Tuscany, Central Italy)

Total concentrations of Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Pb, Sr, Ti, V and Zn in the epiphytic lichen Parmelia sulcata and superficial soils from 60 remote sampling sites in Tuscany (central Italy) were determined to evaluate the contribution of soil to the elemental composition of the lichen. The results showed that in the Mediterranean environment, the trace element content of unwashed lichen samples is greatly affected by soil contamination. However, despite the strong correlations between the concentrations of lithogene elements such as Al, Fe and Ti in P. sulcata, lichen levels of these elements were not at all linearly correlated with their concentrations in the soil, suggesting that dust contamination is highly variable and probably dependent on local site characteristics. All methods evaluated to minimize soil contamination indicated Cu, Pb and Zn as elements of atmospheric origin. However, while levels of Pb were similar to those reported for background areas, moderate pollution by Cu and Zn, probably from fertilizers used in agriculture, was revealed. For elements such as Cd and Mo, identified as atmophile, some uncertainty exists due to the fact that they are essential for lichen metabolism and accumulate intracellularly in lichens; they may therefore occur in soluble form in the lichen thallus.     

Permeability of hair to cadmium,copper and lead in five species of terrestrial mammals and implications in biomonitoring

The capacity of mammal hair to absorb toxic metals and its utility in biomonitoring has been broadly studied. Though these metal-binding properties has generally been attributed to the sulphur contained in cysteine, an amino acid that forms part of keratin, there are not many experimental studies that analyze the role of sulphur in the external deposition of potentially toxic metallic elements in order to better understand the potential of hair in biomonitoring and generate better tools for differentiating between internal and external deposition of contaminants. In this study, an experimental analysis is carried out using a scanning electron microscope on hairs of five terrestrial mammal species (Peromyscus furvus, P. maniculatus, Glossophaga soricina, Artibeus jamaicensis and Marmosa mexicana) treated with cadmium, copper and lead salts. We quantified absorbed metals as well as natural elements of the hair by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to analyze using simple statistics the role of sulphur in the absorption Cd, Cu and Pb. Given the lack of studies comparing the mechanisms of deposition of metal elements among different orders of Class Mammalia, external morphology was considered to be an important factor in the deposition of metallic particles of Cd, Cu and Pb. Bat species (Glossophaga soricina, Artibeus jamaicensis) showed a high concentration of particles in their scales, however, no between-species differences in metal absorption were observed, and during the exogenous deposition metal particles do not permeate the medulla. These results suggest that the sulphur in hair itself cannot bind metals to hair cuticle and that hair absorption capacity depends on a variety of factors such as aspects of hair morphology.     

石河子市大气中氮氧化物与气象条件的关系

用实测数据分析了石河子市大气中ＮＯｘ与气温，湿度和风速等气象因子的关系，得出结论是气温升高，风速增强，使大气中ＮＯｘ浓度值降低，相对湿度在７０％～８０％之间，其ＮＯｘ浓度较高，为此，气象条件诸如水平风速，大气温度，湿度和大气层结构的稳定与否均大对气污染物浓度产生重要影响。     

Statistical Analysis of Air Pollutants and Meteorological Parameters in Afyon, Turkey

In this study, the relation between sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and particulate matter (PM) concentrations periodically measured in the city of Afyon’s atmosphere with meteorological factors such as precipitation, humidity, temperature, wind velocity, and inversion were investigated. The mean values of SO₂ and PM concentrations measured during the winter months of October–March 1990–1999 were correlated with the meteorological parameters of the same period. Simple and multiple linear regression analysis were utilized to evaluate the contribution of meteorological variables. The statistical results show that the pollutants, i.e., SO₂ and PM are dependent upon humidity, temperature, and inversion at the 1% significance level; while the dependence of both pollutants with temperature is negative when those of humidity and inversion are positive. Two models in which temperature and inversion are dependent with multiple variables are recommended for predicting the contribution of meteorological parameters on SO₂ and PM. In addition, the relationship between humidity, temperature, and inversion with pollutants is also determined using nonlinear (polynomial) models.     

北京市空气污染指数及其影响因素分析

以北京市2001—2012年空气污染指数(API)和气象资料为基础,通过描述统计和GLM模型分析了北京市API的变化趋势和影响因素。分析结果表明,从年际变化看,北京空气质量呈逐年好转趋势;空气质量季节差别显著,春季和冬季的空气质量最差,夏季空气质量显著优于冬季和春季;各气象因素对空气质量均有显著影响,气压、气温、降水、日照时间与API呈负相关关系,其升高有利于空气质量改善,而日最高温、湿度、风速与API呈正相关关系。交通限行政策对北京空气质量有显著改善作用,但未发现API存在显著的周末效应。