Heavy Metals in Moss and Bark From Urban Area of Florence: A New Cleaness Procedure for Removing Superficial Particulate Matter

Abstract

Hypnum cupressiforme epiphytic moss and tree bark (elm and holm oak) samples have been collected in three sites of the city of Florence in the period 1995–1998. Lead, zinc, copper, and cadmium were determined by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) in about 200 samples collected at different heights above ground. A new clean-up procedure by nitrogen jet has been followed and its efficiency has been also verified by electron microscopy (SEM and ESEM techniques). Lead median contents in moss and bark samples fall within the ranges of 0.052–0.86 and 0.20–1.30 μmoles g^?1 (dry weight), resulting values for moss and bark are proportional to the vehicular traffic density. the increasing use of lead-free gasoline has not been followed by a decrease of lead moss concentration.     

Heavy Metals in Epiphytic Mosses: An Experience in Florence

The epiphytic moss Hypnum cupressiforme has been used for passive monitoring of airborne heavy metals pollution by vehicular traffic in the urban area of Florence. Lead, cadmium, zinc and copper were determined by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). in the summer of 1993 about 30 samples were collected from the trunks of holm oak at the same height (1 metre) from the soil. Lead contents fall within the range of 0.02-1.08 μ moles g^-1 (dry weight) and for this metal, the emission source may be attributed mainly to vehicular traffic in poorly industrialized urban areas. Some evaluations have been carried out about the employment of Zn/Pb molar ratio for characterizing airborne pollution in urban areas.     

HEAVY METALS CONTENTS OF ROADSIDE MOSSES IN THE NORTHERN AND SOUTH-EASTERN REGIONS OF NIGERIA

Levels of lead, zinc, cadmium, copper and nickel were determined in roadside moss samples within towns in the northern and south-eastern regions of Nigeria. Average lead level in the south-east (59 ppm) was higher than the average for the northern region (44 ppm). Average levels of zinc, cadmium, copper and nickel did not differ significantly between the two regions, with overall averages for the entire study area being 50.9, 1.2, 11.3 and 5.6 ppm for these metals. Lead levels were poorly correlated with those of the other metals, indicating that automobile emissions may not be the main source for these metals in the moss. In comparison with a previous study of the south-west region, the results indicate a generally slightly higher level of metal pollution in the south-west region than in both the northern and south-eastern regions.     

Heavy metals contents of roadside mosses in the northern and south-eastern regions of Nigeria

Levels of lead, zinc, cadmium, copper and nickel were determined in roadside moss samples within towns in the northern and south-eastern regions of Nigeria. Average lead level in the south-east (59 ppm) was higher than the average for the northern region (44 ppm). Average levels of zinc, cadmium, copper and nickel did not differ significantly between the two regions, with overall averages for the entire study area being 50.9, 1.2, 11.3 and 5.6 ppm for these metals. Lead levels were poorly correlated with those of the other metals, indicating that automobile emissions may not be the main source for these metals in the moss. In comparison with a previous study of the south-west region, the results indicate a generally slightly higher level of metal pollution in the south-west region than in both the northern and south-eastern regions.     

植物--实时富集大气持久性有机污染物的被动采样平台

对植物富集大气持久性有机污染物(POPs)的机理及其在大气POPs污染监测中的应用,主要是地衣、苔藓、树叶、树皮作为大气POPs的被动采样器在大气POPs监测中的应用做了介绍,指出树木“时间隧道”作为实时记录大气历史污染状况的又一“新标本”将在大气污染“历史监测”中发挥重要作用．     

Holly (Ilex Aquifolium L.) As Zinc and Cadmium Accumulative Indicator in Biogeochemical Prospecting

The results of previous investigations in mineralized and sterile areas of Tuscany (Italy) appeared to point out the special aptitude of holly (Ilex aquifolium L.) in concentrating cadmium and zinc. in the present paper this behaviour has been verified in a mineralized area of Lombardy (Northern Italy).

Samples of leaves, twigs and barks from holly trees were collected, and metal contents (Zn, Cd, and Pb) have been determined by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). for comparison, some samples of wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa L.) and soil were also analyzed.

The data obtained confirm a preferential cadmium and zinc accumulation by holly (up to 16 and 1400 μg g^-1 dry weight, respectively) also depending on different vegetal organs and vegetative stages of plants. Highest contents of lead have been recovered in the outer portion of bark.     

The role of sample preparation in interpretation of trace element concentration variability in moss bioindication studies

Trace element concentrations in plant bioindicators are often determined to assess the quality of the environment. Instrumental methods used for trace element determination require digestion of samples. There are different methods of sample preparation for trace element analysis, and the selection of the best method should be fitted for the purpose of a study. Our hypothesis is that the method of sample preparation is important for interpretation of the results. Here we compare the results of 36 element determinations performed by ICP-MS on ashed and on acid-digested (HNO₃, H₂O₂) samples of two moss species (Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi) collected in Alaska and in south-central Poland. We found that dry ashing of the moss samples prior to analysis resulted in considerably lower detection limits of all the elements examined. We also show that this sample preparation technique facilitated the determination of interregional and interspecies differences in the chemistry of trace elements. Compared to the Polish mosses, the Alaskan mosses displayed more positive correlations of the major rock-forming elements with ash content, reflecting those elements’ geogenic origin. Of the two moss species, P. schreberi from both Alaska and Poland was also highlighted by a larger number of positive element pair correlations. The cluster analysis suggests that the more uniform element distribution pattern of the Polish mosses primarily reflects regional air pollution sources. Our study has shown that the method of sample preparation is an important factor in statistical interpretation of the results of trace element determinations.     

A survey of lead pollution in Chhattisgarh State, central India

Lead (Pb) is of major environmental concern due to its toxicological importance. The anthropogenic emission of Pb is at least 100 times higher than natural emissions. Soil and dust are significant sources of Pb exposure. Lead is generally immobile in soil and accumulates in the upper layers. Lead particles may enter homes via shoes, clothes, pets, and windows. Central India is rich in deposits of natural resource materials such as coal, pyrite, dolomite, and alumina that contain Pb and other heavy metals at the trace levels, and the substantial exploitation of these materials has tended to increased contamination of water and geological formations. Here we present data on Pb concentrations in the water, soil and sediment samples (n=158) collected from 70 locations in Chhattisgarh state, Raipur region. Lead concentrations in the surface water (n=44), groundwater (n=44), soils (n=60) and sediments (n=10) ranged from 6 to 1410, 3 to 52, 12.8 to 545, and 31 to 423 μg g⁻¹, with mean values of 305, 16, 102 and 190 μg g⁻¹, respectively. Most of the Pb fractions of >80% can be leached out with the chemical extractants EDTA, acetic acid, and hydroxylamine hydrochloride. Lead has accumulated in the soil clay fraction due to its relatively large surface area and decreases with increasing depth in the soil profile.     

Online solid phase preconcentration using EGDMA–MAA copolymer for lead determination by FAAS

A Ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) methacrylic acid (MAA) resin was used for preconcentration of lead at trace levels in water samples. For this purpose, a flow-injection, solid phase extraction method was developed for the determination of lead by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Lead ions were sorbed on a EGDMA–MAA column at pH 4, followed by an elution step using 288 µL of 4.0 M nitric acid solution and determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Optimum conditions for quantitative sorption involving the pH, sample volume, loading and elution flow rates, eluent type, and volume were investigated. A 868-fold enrichment factor could be reached. The detection limit for the water samples, estimated from the noise on the signal obtained for 250 mL of 10 µg L^?1 loaded at 4.9 mL min^?1 was 1.04 µg L^?1. The method was applied for lead determination in river water samples collected in Edirne, Turkey. Recoveries of spiked solutions (10 µg L^?1) to river water samples were quantitative. Finally, the method was validated by the analysis of certified reference material SRM 2704 (Buffalo River Sediment).     

(Persistent) Organic pollutants in Germany: results from a pilot study within the 2015 moss survey

Background

Since 1990, every 5 years, moss sampling is conducted within the European moss monitoring programme to assess the atmospheric deposition of airborne pollutants. Besides many other countries, Germany takes regularly part at these evaluations. Within the European moss monitoring 2015, more than 400 moss samples across Germany were taken according to a harmonized methodology for the assessment heavy metal and nitrogen input. In a pilot programme, eight of these sites were chosen for additional investigations on a broad range of organic contaminants to evaluate their accumulation in moss and thereby their presence in atmospheric deposition in Germany. Target compound classes comprised polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and –furans (PCDD/F), dioxin-like and non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCB, ndl-PCB), polyfluorinated alkyl substances, classical flame retardants as well as emerging chlorinated and brominated flame retardants. In total, 120 target compounds were analysed. For some analytes, comparisons of accumulation in moss and tree leave samples were possible.

Results

Except for certain flame retardants, PFAS, and ndl-PCB, substances of all other compound classes could be quantified in moss samples of all sites. Concentrations were highest for PAH (40–268 ng g^?1) followed by emerging flame retardants (0.5–7.7 ng g^?1), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE; 0.3–3.7 ng g^?1), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD; 0.3–1.2 ng g^?1), dl-PCB (0.04–0.4 ng g^?1) and PCDD/F (0.008–0.06 ng g^?1).

Conclusions

Results show the widespread atmospheric distribution and deposition of organic contaminants across Germany as well as the suitability of moss as bioaccumulation monitor for most of these compound classes. Compared to nearby tree leaf samples, accumulation potential of moss appeared to be higher for pollutants of high octanol–air partition coefficient (K_OA) and octanol–water partition coefficient (K_OW).

     

Correlation between lead levels in drinking water and mothers’ breast milk: Dakahlia, Egypt

This study was performed on fifty-two drinking tap water samples (surface and groundwater) collected from different districts of Dakahlia Governorate and fifty-two breast milk samples from lactating mothers hosted in Dakahlia Governorate hospitals. All these samples were subjected to lead analysis. Lead level in drinking groundwater showed higher levels than in drinking surface water. Also, an elevation of lead levels in breast milk of mothers drinking groundwater was noticed when compared with that of mothers drinking surface water. The comparison between mean lead levels in drinking water and mothers’ breast milk samples showed positive relationship. Lead concentrations in breast milk of the studied samples were elevated by exposure to smoking. We conclude that prolonged contact with lead plumbing can increase the lead content in tap water with subsequent increase in lead burden in infant fed formula and infant blood. Also, we recommend that chemical analyses must be carried out periodically for the surface and groundwater to ensure the water suitability for drinking purposes. Passive exposure to smoking during lactation should be avoided. Capsule: Prolonged contact with lead plumbing can increase the lead content in tap water with subsequent increase in lead burden in infant fed formula and infant blood.     

Addendum

Bags of S. auriculatum and a low‐volume aerosol sampler with filters were exposed, in parallel, to the urban atmosphere of Oporto at four sampling points and for about two months periods, between 1991 and 1994. The levels of lead in the moss (weekly samples) and in the filters (daily samples) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and the results were compared. In dry weather periods (relative humidity ≤ 76%) the rate of lead uptake by moss was approximately constant and proportional to the levels of the metal in atmospheric aerosols. A converting factor (CF = lPb_moss l (μg/g.day)/ l Pb_air l (μg/m³)) allowed conversion of the lead levels in S. auriculatum to those in the atmospheric aerosols. Because the moss fixed lead from gas, aerosol and particulated matter, the rate of sorption depends markedly on the distance to the lead sources (traffic) and on surrounding obstacles which retain particles. Therefore, specific calibration by mechanic monitoring at each point of sampling is required when moss bag samplers are used to provide quantitative information about lead levels in the atmosphere. In wet weather periods, higher but irregular rate of lead uptake was observed. In contrast, the lead levels in atmospheric aerosols decreased when the humidity increased due to wet deposition. Therefore, no proportionality between the lead levels in the moss and in the air were found.     

Vehicle-Induced Lead and Cadmium Contamination of Roadside Soil and Plants in Italy

Lead and cadmium concentrations in spontaneous vegetation and in soil sampled at various distances (0–208 m) from several motorways throughout Italy were measured. Lead and cadmium concentrations appear to be correlated to distance from the motorway and to traffic levels. A comparison with data from a remote and unpolluted site shows that foliar lead concentrations can be up to 40 times higher, and foliar cadmium concentrations up to 3 times higher. Plants behave differently in their accumulation of lead and cadmium; conifers present the highest levels. Also the various receptors and compartments of the roadside ecosystem differ in their accumulation of lead and cadmium; soil and bark have consistently higher concentrations, while the leaves and twigs of trees have consistently lower levels. the data recorded by ad hoc introduced bio-accumulating plants (Lolium multiflorum L.) are consistent with those of the spontaneous vegetation. the concentrations of both lead and cadmium in Lolium vary from June to November, following in part the fluctuation in traffic density.     

Monoterpene chemodiversity of ponderosa pine in relation to herbivory and bark beetle colonization

Summary. Ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa Laws. (Pinaceae), forests in Arizona have suffered from a nine-year period of drought and bark beetle, Ips lecontei Swaine (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), outbreaks. Abiotic and biotic stress in ponderosa pine results in the induced synthesis of certain monoterpenes that may in turn affect bark beetle behavior and survival. In this study, we investigate whether induced monoterpene production could result in a different monoterpene composition that remains stored in the needles or the trunk resin of the tree. Needle and resin samples in addition to trunk cores were collected from ponderosa pines at three locations in Arizona. Ungulate browsing induced a significant increase in limonene (P=0.010) and in chemodiversity (P=0.009), a measure of the evenness of distribution among the monoterpenes present in needles. We compared the level of ‘stress’ of the trees by measuring the thickness of annual rings in living trees and those that were killed by bark beetles. Where drought occurred, the spacing of annual rings from the last 10 years of trees killed by bark beetles was significantly smaller (P=0.020) compared to living trees. There was no difference in the monoterpene composition between the core sections of closest spacing of annual rings (stressed years) compared to the sections of widest spacing, which indicates that monoterpenes are distributed evenly throughout the extended resin system. In the area where the degree of drought was less overall, none of the individual monoterpenes present in the resin was related to bark beetle killed trees. However, about half the living pines had resin in which one of the major monoterpenes (α-pinene, Δ³-carene, and limonene) was absent, and these trees had a lower monoterpene chemodiversity compared to trees killed by bark beetles. Trees with these three major monoterpenes, corresponding to the average relative proportion in living pines at that location, may sustain higher selection and colonization by bark beetles.     

Moss harvest truncates the successional development of epiphytic bryophytes in the Pacific Northwest.

We evaluated the impact of commercial moss harvest on the development of an understory epiphyte community in the Pacific Northwest by characterizing natural development stages using data from both a long-term regrowth study and demographic sampling. First, experimentally stripped 1 m long cylindrats on 46 shrub stems in the Oregon Coast Range were monitored for species composition and abundance annually during the first five years of recovery and again in year 10. Second, a pathway of community development was inferred by examining the relative species composition and abundance of epiphytic species present in moss mats in a four-stage chronosequence. We (1) characterized the change in richness and composition from year 1 through 10 of regrowth following experimental disturbance, (2) quantified the proportion of approximately 1-, 10-, 25-, and 50-year-old moss mats of commercially harvestable species that were monodominant, diverse, and late successional, and (3) contrasted these proportions with estimates from a compositional transition matrix derived from long-term monitoring. Roughly half of the observed moss mats demonstrated neutral dynamics and were composed of a mixture of readily dispersed acrocarps and pleurocarps. The remaining half exhibited positive dynamics and were dominated by aggressively growing pleurocarpous species such as Isothecium myosuroides. Following structural developmental pathways well established for vascular plants, moss mats shift with time from high diversity and evenness in the initial colonization and extended establishment phases to increasing Isothecium dominance during a presumed competitive-exclusion phase. Old mats exist in alternate states of either Isothecium dominance or mixed composition, either of which may have late-successional species. Patchy historic commercial moss harvest likely facilitated high diversity by increasing the simultaneous occurrence of all moss mat age classes, while modern strip harvesting methods are predicted to promote predominantly even-aged mats that are unlikely to reach "old-growth" conditions before re-harvest.     

Tolerance and accumulation of lead in Vetiveria zizanioides and its effect on oil production

Experiments were conducted to evaluate lead tolerance and accumulation in vetiver grass Vetiveria zizanioides (L.), grown in hydroponics and a pot study and to examine the effect of lead on vetiver oil production. Elevated concentrations of lead decreased the length of shoots and roots of plants. However, vetiver grown in highly contaminated soils showed no apparent phytotoxicity symptoms. Lead concentrations in the shoots and roots of vetiver plants grown in hydroponics were up to 144 and 19530 mg kg(-1) and those grown in soil were 38 and 629 mg kg(-1), respectively. Lead had an effect on vetiver oil production and composition by stimulating oil yield and the number of its constituents. Oil yield ranged from 0.4-1.3%; the highest yields were found in plants grown in nutrient solution with 100 mg Pb l(-1) for 5 weeks (1.29%) and 7 weeks (1.22%). The number of total constituents of vetiver oil also varied between 47-143 compounds when lead was presentin the growth medium. The highest number (143) was found in plants grown in soil spiked with 1000 mg Pb kg(-1). The predominant compound was khusimol (10.7-18.1%) followed by (E)-isovalencenol (10.3-15.6%). Our results indicated that lead could increase the oil production of vetiver.     

Assessment of lead and cadmium residues in farmed fish in Machakos and Kiambu counties,Kenya

Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) concentrations were determined in muscle, gonad, liver and brain of tilapia fish caught from fish ponds in Machakos and Kiambu counties in Kenya. A total of 217 fish samples were randomly sampled from the two counties. Acid digestion method and atomic absorption spectrophotometer were used for analysis. Heavy metal concentrations varied significantly depending on the type of tissue analyzed. Generally, the highest concentration of Pb was detected in brain and the liver. Fish organs contained Pb in the following order: brain > liver > muscle > gonad, while Cd followed the order: brain > liver > gonad > muscle. Kiambu county recorded higher concentration of the studied heavy metals compared to Machakos county although statistically there was no difference. Lead and Cd content in both counties studied exceeded the maximum allowable limit. The study recommended controlling industrial and agricultural effluents into surface water and proper sitting of ponds to minimize the risk of contamination of farmed fish by heavy metals.     

Trace element atmospheric pollution in South Albania studied by the moss technique and inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry

Monitoring hazardous air pollutants is needed for understanding their spatial and temporal distribution and ultimately to minimize their harmful effects. For the first time, the moss biomonitoring technique has been applied to air pollution monitoring in South Albania. Moss samples were collected during the period of September–October 2010, and were analyzed for total concentration of the elements Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, V, and Zn by inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry. Geographical distribution maps of the elements over the sampled territory were constructed using geographic information systems technology. Multivariate statistical analysis was applied to distinguish elements mainly of anthropogenic origin from those predominantly originating from natural sources. Four factors were identified: Factor 1 reflects wind-blown mineral particles or local emissions from industry (Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, V, Zn); Factor 2 is related to long-range atmospheric transport of elements or local emissions from industry (Cd, Pb); Factor 3 (Na, Mg) and Factor 4 (K) reflect the natural origin of elements as crustal, marine, and vegetation components.     

树皮在大气有机氯农药监测中应用的研究进展

有机氯农药(Organochlorine pesticides,OCPs)曾在全世界被大量使用,即使禁用多年,仍能在各种环境介质中被广泛检出,对生态环境和人体健康存在着潜在的威胁。因此OCPs的环境迁移和归趋一直是该领域的研究热点。树皮是一种天然的被动采样器,能够很好的反映出大气有机物长期的污染程度。本文简要论述了树皮作为被动采样器在大气污染物监测研究中应用的优势,并对OCPs在树皮中的残留浓度、特征及影响其富集的因素进行了探讨,最后特别针对具有手性的OCPs在树皮中的对映体选择性特征进行了评述。     

树皮在大气有机氯农药监测中应用的研究进展

有机氯农药（Organochlorine pesticides, OCPs）曾在全世界被大量使用,即使禁用多年,仍能在各种环境介质中被广泛检出,对生态环境和人体健康存在着潜在的威胁。因此OCPs的环境迁移和归趋一直是该领域的研究热点。树皮是一种天然的被动采样器,能够很好的反映出大气有机物长期的污染程度。本文简要论述了树皮作为被动采样器在大气污染物监测研究中应用的优势,并对OCPs在树皮中的残留浓度、特征及影响其富集的因素进行了探讨,最后特别针对具有手性的OCPs在树皮中的对映体选择性特征进行了评述。