Abstract
The concentration of selected trace elements and the magnetic properties of samples of the lichen Evernia prunastri exposed for 3 months in Milan (Italy) were investigated to test if magnetic properties can be used as a proxy for the bioaccumulation of chemical elements in airborne particulate matter. Magnetic analysis showed intense properties driven by magnetite-like minerals, leading to significant correlations between magnetic susceptibility and the concentration of Fe, Cr, Cu, and Sb. Selected magnetic particles were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope and Energy Dispersion System microanalyses, and their composition, morphology and grain size supported their anthropogenic, non-exhaust origin. The overall combination of chemical, morphoscopic and magnetic analyses strongly suggested that brake abrasion from vehicles is the main source of the airborne particles accumulated by lichens. It is concluded that magnetic susceptibility is an excellent parameter for a simple, rapid and cost-effective characterization of atmospheric trace metal pollution using lichens.
Highlights
It has been estimated that more than 4 million people die annually for health problems caused by poor air quality [1]
E. prunastri exhibited accumulation for all elements at all sites, with very few exceptions (Table 1), with mean values exceeding those of the control sample by a factor 1.2 (Cd) to 6.3 (Sb)
As a matter of fact, the above elements are used as components of brake systems [43], and brake abrasion is reported as the main source of trace elements in Particulate matter (PM) [44]
Summary
It has been estimated that more than 4 million people die annually for health problems caused by poor air quality [1]. Air quality in urban areas is a great concern worldwide, since most of the human population lives in cities that quite often do not meet the air quality standards, being exposed to high levels of pollutants [2]. Particulate matter (PM) is by far the most important air pollutant in urban areas [3], and short- and long-term exposure to PM is responsible for a wide array of negative effects on human health, spanning from inflammations, cardio-vascular diseases, and lung cancer [1]. Monitoring air pollution in urban areas is crucial for human health. Automated stations are often used for monitoring air quality over time and space, but a real high-resolution network is often lacking owing to the constraints of establishing and maintaining sophisticated and costly equipment. Biomonitoring may in turn help to improve the knowledge on the response of organisms to pollutants
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
