Accumulation of aluminium and physiological status of tree foliage in the vicinity of a large aluminium smelter.

A pollution gradient was observed in tree foliage sampled in the vicinity of a large aluminium production facility in Patagonia (Argentina). Leaves of Eucalyptus rostrata, and Populus hybridus and different needle ages of Pinus spec. were collected and concentrations of aluminium (Al) and sulphur (S) as well as physiological parameters (chlorophyll and lipid oxidation products) were analyzed. Al and S concentrations indicate a steep pollution gradient in the study showing a relationship with the physiological parameters in particular membrane lipid oxidation products. The present study confirms that aluminium smelting results in high Al and sulphur deposition in the study area, and therefore further studies should be carried out taking into account potentially adverse effects of these compounds on human and ecosystem health.

Air pollutants effect on monoterpenes composition and foliar chemical parameters in Schinus areira L.

Monoterpenes, pigments, lipid peroxidation products, sulfur and water content expressed as dry weight/fresh weight ratio were measured in leaves of Schinus areira L. collected in Mendoza, Argentina. The sampling sites showed different SO(2), NO(2) and PM(10) levels, which allowed setting out zones by mapping. Foliar chemical parameters in S. areira were analysed in relation to these zones. High hydroperoxy conjugated dienes (HPCD) and alpha-phellandrene content in foliar samples coming from areas with high SO(2) levels were measured. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed a positive association among SO(2), HPCD, malondialdehyde, sabinene and beta-pinene. In relation to NO(2) levels high values of chlorophyll (Chl)-b and Chl-b/Chl-a ratio were found. PCA showed for NO(2), an association with Chl-b/Chl-a, phaeophytin-a/Chl-a ratios and alpha-phellandrene. As regard PM(10), no significant differences were found in the chemical parameters indicating foliar damage, whereas the contents of tricyclene, alpha-pinene and beta-pinene showed low values in the area with high levels of this pollutant. From the results, it can be inferred that the more noticeable changes in the foliar chemistry of S. areira were detected in relation to the different SO(2) levels. This response was associated to an increase in the foliar oxidation processes accompanied by modifications in the levels of terpenes. This is important, as SO(2) was the only pollutant whose values in the annual arithmetic mean were over the standard value of 30 ppb.

Atmospheric quality and distribution of heavy metals in Argentina employing Tillandsia capillaris as a biomonitor.

The atmospheric quality and distribution of heavy metals were evaluated throughout a wide region of Argentina. In addition, the biomonitor performance of Tillandsia capillaris Ruiz & Pav. f. capillaris was studied in relation to the accumulation of heavy metals and to its physiologic response to air pollutants. A sampling area of 50,000 km2 was selected in the central region of the Argentine Republic. This area was subdivided into grids of 25 x 25 km. Pools of T. capillaris, where present, were collected at each intersection point. From each pool three sub-samples were analyzed independently. Furthermore, five replicates were collected at 20% of the points in order to analyze the variability within the site. The content of Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Chemical-physiological parameters were also determined to detect symptoms of foliar damage. Chlorophylls, phaeophytins, hydroperoxy conjugated dienes, malondialdehyde and sulfur were quantified in T. capillaris. Some of these parameters were used to calculate a foliar damage index. Data sets were evaluated by one-way ANOVA, correlation analysis, principal component analysis and mapping. Geographical distribution patterns were obtained for the different metals reflecting the contribution of natural and anthropogenic emission sources. According to our results it can be inferred that Fe, Mn and Co probably originated in the soil. For Pb, the highest values were found in the mountainous area, which can be attributed to the presence of Pb in the granitic rocks. Ni showed mainly an anthropogenic origin, with higher values found in places next to industrial centers. For Zn the highest values were in areas of agricultural development. The same was observed for Cu, whose presence could be related to the employment of pesticides. The foliar damage index distribution map showed that the central and southeastern zones were the ones where the major damage in the bioindicator was found. The central zone coincides with the city of Córdoba whereas the southeastern area is strictly agricultural, so the high values found there could be related to the use of pesticides.