Spatial Distribution Of Atmospheric Pollutants Through Biomonitoring In Tree Bark Using X-Ray Fluorescence

Bruno Martins Gurgatz,Paulo Hilário Do Nascimento Saldiva,Luciano Fernandes Huergo,Gisele Antoniaconi,Regiani Carvalho-Oliveira,Rodrigo Arantes Reis

doi:10.26850/1678-4618eqj.v43.2.2018.p59-64

Bruno Martins Gurgatz, Paulo Hilário Do Nascimento Saldiva + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.26850/1678-4618eqj.v43.2.2018.p59-64

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Abstract

Several studies have shown that tree barks can absorb air contaminants, therefore, trees can be used as biomonitors to identify the distribution of atmospheric pollutants. The city of Paranaguá, located at the coast of the Paraná State in Brazil, hosts the largest bulk cargo port in Latin America and an elevated number of fertilizer processing industries. In this study we used tree barks coupled to X-ray fluorescence spectrometer analysis to biomonitor the distribution of air pollutants in the city of Paranaguá. We identified a visual correlation between the level of the elements K and Cl, with high levels detected near fertilizer warehouses. A relation between Fe levels and position of railways and train stations were also clear. The low levels of the elements Zn, Al, Ba and Mg detected in a traffic restricted zone confirm the use of these elements as markers of vehicles traffic and validate the approach of using tree barks for air pollution biomonitoring.

Highlights

It is estimated that air pollution-related diseases killed seven million people in 2012 worldwide, and air pollution it is known to be the single largest environmental risk today[1]
High levels of Fe were detected near railways and train stations
The results obtained showed that P has a less clear distribution than K, in one sample, high values of P were detected near a fertilizer warehouse (Figure 2A)

Summary

Introduction

It is estimated that air pollution-related diseases killed seven million people in 2012 worldwide, and air pollution it is known to be the single largest environmental risk today[1]. In Latin America, approximately 35,000 people die annually because of air pollution. The air pollution is the result of urbanization and industrialization processes along with a heavy dependence on fossil fuels and[2, 3]. Trees can be used as biomonitors to identify the distribution of atmospheric pollutants[5,6,7]. In Brazil, studies have validated the use of tree barks as air biomonitor for urban traffic[5], industrial activities[8] and environmental injustice assessment[9]. The city of Paranaguá, located at the coast of the Paraná State in Brazil, hosts the largest bulk cargo port in Latin America.

Experimental

Results and discussion

Conclusions