1
|
Kováčik J, Husáková L, Piroutková M, Babula P. Mercury Content and Amelioration of Its Toxicity by Nitric Oxide in Lichens. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:727. [PMID: 36840082 PMCID: PMC9967695 DOI: 10.3390/plants12040727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) content measured in five epiphytic lichen species collected in Slovakia mountain forests ranged from 30 to 100 ng/g DW and was species-specific, decreasing in the order Hypogymnia > Pseudevernia > Usnea > Xanthoria > Evernia prunastri (but polluted sites had no impact on Hg amount in Xanthoria). Evernia was therefore used to study the impact of short-term exogenous Hg (100 µM, 24 h) and possible amelioration of Hg toxicity by nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP). NO was efficiently released from SNP as detected by two staining reagents and fluorescence microscopy and reduced Hg-induced ROS signal and absorption of Hg by thalli of Evernia prunastri. At the same time, NO ameliorated Hg-induced depletion of metabolites such as ascorbic acid and non-protein thiols, but not of free amino acids. The amount of metabolites, including soluble phenols, was reduced by excess Hg per se. On the contrary, NO was unable to restore Hg-stimulated depletion of chlorophyll autofluorescence but mitigated the decline of some macronutrients (K and Ca). Data confirm that accumulation of Hg in the epiphytic lichens is species-specific and that NO is a vital molecule in Evernia prunastri that provides protection against Hg-induced toxicity with considerable positive impact on metabolic changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jozef Kováčik
- Department of Biology, University of Trnava, Priemyselná 4, 918 43 Trnava, Slovak Republic
| | - Lenka Husáková
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Studentská 573 HB/D, 532 10 Pardubice, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Piroutková
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Studentská 573 HB/D, 532 10 Pardubice, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Babula
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vega-García S, Sánchez-García L, Prieto-Ballesteros O, Carrizo D. Molecular and isotopic biogeochemistry on recently-formed soils on King George Island (Maritime Antarctica) after glacier retreat upon warming climate. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 755:142662. [PMID: 33049523 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Maritime Antarctica is a climate-sensitive region that has experienced a continuous increase of temperature over the last 50 years. This phenomenon accelerates glacier retreat and promotes the exposure of ice-covered surfaces, triggering physico-chemical alteration of the ground and subsequent soil formation. Here, we studied the biogeochemical composition and evolution extent of soil on three recently exposed peninsulas (Fildes, Barton and Potter) on Southwest (SW) King George Island (KGI). Nine soil samples were analyzed for their lipid biomarkers, stable isotope composition, bulk geochemistry and mineralogy. Their biomarkers profiles were compared to those of local fresh biomass of microbial mats (n = 3) and vegetation (1 moss, 1 grass, and 3 lichens) to assess their contribution to the soil organic matter (SOM). The molecular and isotopic distribution of lipids in the soil samples revealed contributions to the SOM dominated by biogenic sources, mostly vegetal (i.e. odd HMW n-alkanes distributions and generally depleted δ13C ratios). Microbial sources were also present to a lesser extent (i.e. even LMW n-alkanes and n-alkanoic acids, heptadecane, 1-alkenes, 9-octadecenoic acid, or iso/anteiso 15: 0 and 17:0 alkanoic acids). Additional contribution from petrogenic sources (bedrock erosion-derived hydrocarbons) was also considered although found to be minor. Results from mineralogy (relative abundance of plagioclases and virtual absence of clay minerals) and bulk geochemistry (low chemical weathering indexes) suggested little chemical alteration of the original geology. This together with the low content of total nitrogen and organic carbon, as well as moderate microbial activity in the soils, confirmed little edaphological development on the recently-exposed KGI surfaces. This study provides molecular and isotopic fingerprints of SOM composition in young Antarctic soils, and contributes to the understanding of soil formation and biogeochemistry in this unexplored region which is currently being affected by thermal destabilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - D Carrizo
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA), Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Conti ME, Plà R, Simone C, Jasan R, Finoia MG. Implementing the monitoring breakdown structure: native lichens as biomonitors of element deposition in the southern Patagonian forest connected with the Puyehue volcano event in 2011-a 6-year survey (2006-2012). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:38819-38834. [PMID: 32632679 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10001-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the airborne elements' deposition by using native Usnea barbata lichens as biomonitors in the forested areas of Tierra del Fuego (TdF, southern Patagonia), an apparently pristine environment. The present study is linked to the volcanic eruption of the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle which started in north Patagonia in June 2011, which gives rise to long-distance transport of pollutants through the atmosphere at 1700 km from our sampling sites. The monitoring breakdown structure (MBS) was applied to three sampling campaigns in 2006 (baseline) ➔ 2011-2012 (3 and 15 months after the volcanic event, respectively). We have on purpose enhanced the information variety endowment: (i) Seventy-one referenced sites were double sampled; (ii) up to 426 composite lichen samples were collected; (iii) twenty-six elements were measured by neutron activation analysis (As, Ba, Br, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hf, K, La, Lu, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Ta, Tb, Th, U, Yb, Zn) for samples of 2011 and 2012 campaigns; (iv) thirteen common elements (As, Ba, Ca, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, K, Na, Sb, Se, U, Zn) were determined in 2006 for the baseline comparison. The natural contamination by tephras is reflected by lichens more clearly in the 2011 campaign, where Ba, Cr, Na, Ca, Cs, and U showed higher median levels compared with the baseline campaign (2006). Ca, K, and Na were the most accumulated elements after the volcano event and could be associated with the volcanic ashes' deposition. Rare earth elements (REEs) showed no significant bioaccumulation levels between 2011 and 2012, indicating their association with higher lithogenic inputs than volcanic ashes. Using the Earth's crust as reference, nine elements (As, Ba, Br, Ca, K, Na, Sb, Se, and Zn) presented moderate/significant mean enrichment factor (EF) values (> 5). The usefulness of Usnea barbata as test species for direct biomonitoring oriented kinetic studies in areas characterized by a low human impact is confirmed. Eventually, our results confirm that TdF is not an actual pristine environment as earlier supposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Enrique Conti
- Department of Management, University of Rome, Sapienza, Via del Castro Laurenziano 9, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Rita Plà
- Departamento Química Nuclear, GAATEN, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. del Libertador 8250, 1429, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cristina Simone
- Department of Management, University of Rome, Sapienza, Via del Castro Laurenziano 9, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Raquel Jasan
- Departamento Química Nuclear, GAATEN, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. del Libertador 8250, 1429, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Grazia Finoia
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via di Casalotti 300, 00166, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Catán SP, Bubach D, Arribere M, Ansaldo M, Kitaura MJ, Scur MC, Lirio JM. Trace elements baseline levels in Usnea antarctica from Clearwater Mesa, James Ross Island, Antarctica. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2020; 192:246. [PMID: 32206882 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-8212-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Clearwater Mesa is a pristine area located SE of Croft Bay in James Ross Island, at the northeast of the Antarctic Peninsula. The closest anthropic construction is the summer Mendel station located 25 km to the NE. Clearwater is a remote basalt volcanic mesa, (64° 01' S, 57° 42' W) located at ~ 250 m a.s.l., with around 50 small shallow lakes, a well-developed lichens flora and scarce fauna. The mesa offers a good opportunity to use lichens, like Usnea antarctica, as a biomonitor species. The aim of this study was to determine the baseline levels of trace elements in Usnea antarctica and their relationships with geographical parameters and climatological aspects, to use them as reference levels in futures studies. Usnea antarctica was collected in 23 sites in two transects: perpendicular and parallel to the shore. We found high contents of the elements associated with long-distance transport like Sm, La, Sc, Fe, Co, Hg, and Ca. The elements linked to the marine biogenic cycle as Sr, Rb, Cs, K, Na, Sb, As, Se, and Br were less significant. The distance to the sea was the factor that related the element contents. Hg, Se, As, and Br content in Usnea antarctica increased from the inland towards the sea coast.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Perez Catán
- Laboratorio de Análisis por Activación Neutrónica, Centro Atómico Bariloche (CAB), Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Bustillo km 9.5, (8400), Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Débora Bubach
- Laboratorio de Análisis por Activación Neutrónica, Centro Atómico Bariloche (CAB), Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Bustillo km 9.5, (8400), Bariloche, Argentina
| | - María Arribere
- Laboratorio de Análisis por Activación Neutrónica, Centro Atómico Bariloche (CAB), Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Bustillo km 9.5, (8400), Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Martín Ansaldo
- Instituto Antártico Argentino, 25 de Mayo 1143, General San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcos J Kitaura
- INBio, Laboratório de Ecologia e Biologia Evolutiva, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Av. Costa e Silva, s/n, Campo Grande, MS, 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Mayara C Scur
- INBio, Laboratório de Ecologia e Biologia Evolutiva, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Av. Costa e Silva, s/n, Campo Grande, MS, 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Juan M Lirio
- Instituto Antártico Argentino, 25 de Mayo 1143, General San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vitali M, Antonucci A, Owczarek M, Guidotti M, Astolfi ML, Manigrasso M, Avino P, Bhattacharya B, Protano C. Air quality assessment in different environmental scenarios by the determination of typical heavy metals and Persistent Organic Pollutants in native lichen Xanthoria parietina. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 254:113013. [PMID: 31415978 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The study was aimed to evaluate the ability of native lichen Xanthoria (X.) parietina to biomonitor and bioaccumulate some heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb), PAHs, PCDDs, PCDFs, PCBs and PBDEs and to evaluate the use of the native X. parietina as a multi-tracer tool for scenarios characterized by different anthropogenic pressures. Samples of native X. parietina were collected in six different sites (two green, two residential and two industrial areas, respectively) and analyzed for the target compounds. The results show that X. parietina was a useful tool for the biomonitoring of air quality in the selected areas, and was able to bioaccumulate all the studied metals and POPs. In particular, the total concentrations dry weight (dw) ranged between 8.1 and 103.4 mg kg-1 for metals, from 113 × 103 to 183 × 103 ng kg-1 for PAHs, from 868 to 7685 ng kg-1 for PCBs, from 14.3 to 113.8 ng kg-1 for PCDDs/Fs (∑TEq = 0.9-7.1), and from 194 to 554 ng kg-1 for PBDEs. Besides, in general, the levels of analytes recovered in the different samples of lichen show an increasing trend from green to industrial sites, especially for PCBs (mean values equal to 1218, 4253 and 7192 ng kg-1 respectively for green, residential and industrial areas). The statistical approach, based on Pearson's correlation and principal component analysis tests, showed that one of the industrial sites was well-separated from the others, that resulted grouped due to some similarities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Vitali
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, p.le Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Antonucci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, p.le Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Malgorzata Owczarek
- Arpa Lazio, Regional Agency for Environmental Protection, Sede di Rieti, via Salaria per l'Aquila 8, I-02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Maurizio Guidotti
- Arpa Lazio, Regional Agency for Environmental Protection, Sede di Rieti, via Salaria per l'Aquila 8, I-02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Astolfi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Manigrasso
- Department of Technological Innovations, INAIL, via IV Novembre 144, I-00187 Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Avino
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences (DiAAA), University of Molise, via De Sanctis, I-86100 Campobasso, Italy; Institute of Ecotoxicology & Environmental Sciences, In-700156 Kolkata, India
| | - Badal Bhattacharya
- Institute of Ecotoxicology & Environmental Sciences, In-700156 Kolkata, India
| | - Carmela Protano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, p.le Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Catán SP, Bubach D, Messuti MI. A new measurement tool to consider for airborne pollutants evaluations using lichens. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:14689-14692. [PMID: 30937743 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04926-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
An important factor affecting acquisition of pollution elements could be the lichen growth form. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller theory approach has been used to determinate the specific area surface (BET-area) of solids by gas multilayer adsorption. Taking this standard method as a new tool, we measure the specific thallus area in foliose and fruticose lichens to evaluated area/volume relation for bioaccumulation prospects. Some preliminary results of elemental contents such as REEs (La, Sc, Sr) and pollutants (Cd, Co, Pb) were also measured to support the importance to use for the analysis of these thallus attributes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Perez Catán
- Laboratorio por Activación Neutrónica, Centro Atómico Bariloche, CNEA, Av. E. Bustillo 9500, 8400, S.C. de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Debora Bubach
- Laboratorio por Activación Neutrónica, Centro Atómico Bariloche, CNEA, Av. E. Bustillo 9500, 8400, S.C. de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - María Inés Messuti
- INIBIOMA, CONICET-UNComahue, Quintral 1250, 8400, S.C. de Bariloche, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mróz T, Szufa K, Frontasyeva MV, Tselmovich V, Ostrovnaya T, Kornaś A, Olech MA, Mietelski JW, Brudecki K. Determination of element composition and extraterrestrial material occurrence in moss and lichen samples from King George Island (Antarctica) using reactor neutron activation analysis and SEM microscopy. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:436-446. [PMID: 29043588 PMCID: PMC5756565 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0431-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Seven lichens (Usnea antarctica and U. aurantiacoatra) and nine moss samples (Sanionia uncinata) collected in King George Island were analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis, and concentration of major and trace elements was calculated. For some elements, the concentrations observed in moss samples were higher than corresponding values reported from other sites in the Antarctica, but in the lichens, these were in the same range of concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and statistical analysis showed large influence of volcanic-origin particles. Also, the interplanetary cosmic particles (ICP) were observed in investigated samples, as mosses and lichens are good collectors of ICP and micrometeorites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Mróz
- Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podchorążych 2, 30-084, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Szufa
- Henryk Niewodniczański Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, Radzikowskiego 152, 31-342, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Vladimir Tselmovich
- Borok Geophysical Observatory, A Branch of Shmidt's Institute of Physics of the Earth of RAS, Borok, Nekouz, Yaroslavl region, Russia, 152742
| | - Tatiana Ostrovnaya
- Joint Institute for Nuclear Rsearch, Joliot-Curie 6, Dubna, Russia, 141980
| | - Andrzej Kornaś
- Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podchorążych 2, 30-084, Kraków, Poland
| | - Maria A Olech
- Institute of Botany, Jagiellonian University, Kopernika 27, 31-501, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jerzy W Mietelski
- Henryk Niewodniczański Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, Radzikowskiego 152, 31-342, Kraków, Poland
| | - Kamil Brudecki
- Henryk Niewodniczański Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, Radzikowskiego 152, 31-342, Kraków, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pedreira RMA, Barros F, Farias CDO, Wagener AL, Hatje V. A tropical bay as a reference area defined by multiple lines of evidences. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 123:291-303. [PMID: 28847632 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
References areas are sites that have undergone little or no anthropogenic impact and therefore represent the natural state of an environment. The objective of this study was to test if the Camamu Bay (CB), Bahia, can be used as a reference area for tropical coastal environments. Trace and major elements, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and the structure of the benthic macrofauna were determined. To compare the studied sites and identify the possible occurrence of anomalous concentrations, trace elements were normalized by Al and linear regressions were also performed. For all trace elements (except Cu), regressions showed a significant correlation (p<0.05) and few outliers (<3% of cases), showing that the concentrations found represent natural values for this bay. In the case of Cu, the highest concentrations were found near small municipalities, which may be associated with domestic sewage. About 60% of the organic compounds occurred at levels below the limit of quantification (<0.26ngg-1). The sum of PAHs was low for all stations, ranging from 1.17 to 313ngg-1. The benthic assemblages also indicated that the CB is a healthy, well-preserved ecosystem that deserves conservation efforts. The integrated use of geochemical and biotic data supported the use of CB as a reference area. Capsule: Organic and inorganic contaminants together with macrobenthic assemblages indicated that Camamu Bay is a pristine, tropical reference area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R M A Pedreira
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Energia e Ambiente (CIENAM), Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão de Jeremoabo, s/n, Ondina, 40170-290 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - F Barros
- Laboratório de Ecologia Bentônica (LEB), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão de Jeremoabo, s/n, Ondina, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - C de O Farias
- Laboratório de Geoquímica Orgânica Marinha (LAGOM), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, 20550-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - A L Wagener
- LABMAM, Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, 22453-900 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - V Hatje
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Energia e Ambiente (CIENAM), Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão de Jeremoabo, s/n, Ondina, 40170-290 Salvador, BA, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Culicov OA, Yurukova L, Duliu OG, Zinicovscaia I. Elemental content of mosses and lichens from Livingston Island (Antarctica) as determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:5717-5732. [PMID: 28039634 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-8279-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The total content of 8 major and 32 trace elements in four species of mosses and two of lichens as well as neighboring soil and rocks collected from different places of the Livingston Island Antarctica was determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The main goals of the project consisted of evidencing the possible trace of anthropogenic contamination as well as the influence of altitude on the distribution of considered elements. In the absence of a unanimously accepted descriptor, enrichment factor, geo-accumulation, and pollution load indices with respect to soil and rocks were used. The data, interpreted within the model of a reference plant, were compared with previous studies regarding the same organisms in similar geographic and climatological areas. The experimental results evidenced different capacity of mosses and lichens to retain the considered elements, but within experimental uncertainties, no traces of anthropogenic pollution were found. At the same time, it was found that the content of most of the elements decreased with the altitude.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Otilia A Culicov
- Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, 6, Joliot Curie str., 141980 Dubna, Russian Federation
- National Research and Development Institute for Electrical Engineering (ICPE-Advanced Research), 30, Splaiul Unirii, 74204, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Liliana Yurukova
- Institute of Botany, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str, Block 23, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Octavian G Duliu
- Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, 6, Joliot Curie str., 141980 Dubna, Russian Federation.
- Faculty of Physics, Department of Structure of Matter, Earth, and Atmospheric Physics, and Astrophysics, University of Bucharest, 405, Atomistilor str., P.O. Box MG-11, 077125, Magurele (Ilfov), Romania.
| | - Inga Zinicovscaia
- Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, 6, Joliot Curie str., 141980 Dubna, Russian Federation
- Horia Hulubei National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering, 30, Reactorului str., P.O. Box MG-6, 077125, Magurele (Ilfov), Romania
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bargagli R. Atmospheric chemistry of mercury in Antarctica and the role of cryptogams to assess deposition patterns in coastal ice-free areas. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 163:202-208. [PMID: 27529384 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mercury in the Antarctic troposphere has a distinct chemistry and challenging long-term measurements are needed for a better understanding of the atmospheric Hg reactions with oxidants and the exchanges of the various mercury forms among air-snow-sea and biota. Antarctic mosses and lichens are reliable biomonitors of airborne metals and in short time they can give useful information about Hg deposition patterns. Data summarized in this review show that although atmospheric Hg concentrations in the Southern Hemisphere are lower than those in the Northern Hemisphere, Antarctic cryptogams accumulate Hg at levels in the same range or higher than those observed for related cryptogam species in the Arctic, suggesting an enhanced deposition of bioavailable Hg in Antarctic coastal ice-free areas. In agreement with the newest findings in the literature, the Hg bioaccumulation in mosses and lichens from a nunatak particularly exposed to strong katabatic winds can be taken as evidence for a Hg contribution to coastal ecosystems by air masses from the Antarctic plateau. Human activities on the continent are mostly concentrated in coastal ice-free areas, and the deposition in these areas of Hg from the marine environment, the plateau and anthropogenic sources raises concern. The use of Antarctic cryptogams as biomonitors will be very useful to map Hg deposition patterns in costal ice-free areas and will contribute to a better understanding of Hg cycling in Antarctica and its environmental fate in terrestrial ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Bargagli
- Department of Physics, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|