Bioaccumulation and sources identification of atmospheric metal trace elements using lichens along a rural–urban pollution gradient in the Safi-Essaouira coastal area
- Author:
- Mohamed E., Loudiki M. & El Gharmali A.
- Year:
- 2023
- Journal:
- Chemistry and Ecology
- Pages:
- 39(2): 107–122
- Url:
- https://doi.org/10.1080/02757540.2022.2142215
Atmospheric contamination by metallic trace elements emitted by
various human activities constitutes an important threat to human
and environmental health. This study aims to determine metal
accumulation and the sources of air metallic pollution in the Safi
urban-industrial area using lichens as biomonitors. Ten trace
elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Ti, V and Zn) concentrations
and 206Pb/207Pb and 208Pb/207Pb isotopic ratios were analyzed by
ICP-MS in four lichen species: Xanthoria Parietina, Ramalina
Lacera, Xanthoria Calcicola and Ramalina Pollinaria. The results
showed significant differences among study sites for most
elements with higher concentrations in the industrial, urban and
peri-urban sites compared to the reference site chosen as a
natural rural area far from any human activities. Significant
differences were found between saxicolous and corticolous
species especially for Cd, Cu and Zn. The values of Zn/Cu, Zn/Pb
and Pb isotope ratios measured in lichens revealed that vehicular
traffic and industrial emissions are the main sources of
atmospheric Pb contamination. Other anthropic activities (waste
incineration, artisanal pottery…) might be the source of other
trace metal elements accumulated by lichens. Airborne
contaminants in Safi appear to be exported from their sources by
air mass movements driven by the regional wind profile.
Keywords: Metal trace elements;
lichens; air pollution sources;
Pb isotope ratio;
biomonitoring.
- Id:
- 35450
- Submitter:
- zpalice
- Post_time:
- Wednesday, 24 May 2023 11:30