Establishing trace element concentrations for lichens and bryophytes in the ring of fire region of the Hudson Bay Lowlands, Ontario, Canada
- Author:
- McDonough A.M., Bird A.W., Luciani M.A. & Todd A.K.
- Year:
- 2022
- Journal:
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
- Pages:
- 194: 226 [13 p.]
- Url:
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-022-09890-0
Peatlands dominate the landscape of the
Hudson Bay Lowlands in Ontario, Canada. Recently,
mineral deposits of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni),
and copper (Cu) were discovered in the region and
anticipated future industrial mining operations have
the potential to impact the environment. Lichens and
bryophytes are considered excellent biomonitors
and indicators of deposition, deriving their nutrients
directly from the atmosphere. Trace element concentrations
in lichens and bryophytes have not been
reported in the Hudson Bay Lowlands. Here, we
seek to determine the baseline trace element concentrations
of six non-vascular species (Evernia mesomorpha,
Bryoria spp., Cladonia stellaris, Cladonia
stygia, Sphagnum fuscum, and Sphagnum capillifolium)
common to the region, explore linear relationships
of trace elements with iron (Fe) as a signature
of particulates with geogenic origin, and calculate
trace element enrichment factors. Thalli, foliage,
and peat (0–30 cm) were collected from 55 locations
between 2013 and 2018 and analyzed for trace elements. Thalli and foliar concentrations are among
the lowest reported in the broader literature and differ
substantially from peat. Fe concentrations were
significantly correlated (Pearson’s r ≥ 0.8) with aluminum
(Al), titanium (Ti), and vanadium (V) in all
six species. Enrichment factors show some anthropogenic
deposition effects non-vascular organism
chemistry. Most trace element concentrations in
lichens and bryophytes are indicative of long-range
atmospheric transport of dust, but some is attributed
to industry, with only minimal inclusions from the
local area. Epiphytic lichens are well suited for ongoing
atmospheric biomonitoring as industrialization
commences.
Keywords: Non-vascular · Plants · Bog · Fen ·
Enrichment · Deposition · Background · Iron ·
Peatlands.
- Id:
- 34293
- Submitter:
- zdenek
- Post_time:
- Saturday, 09 April 2022 17:41