Study on air pollution in Beijing's major industrial areas using multielements in biomonitors and NAA techniques

Abstract

Three kinds of plant leaves, Chinese white poplar, arborvitae and pine needles were evaluated as a biomonitor for air pollution studies. Thirty-two trace elements have been determined by using relative and the K0 methods of instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA). The results indicated that Chinese white poplar leaves are a good biomonitor in particular seasons and the pine needles are better than arborvitae for yearly monitoring. Air pollution in Beijing city using poplar as a biomonitor for 46 sampling sites was evaluated. The results indicate some sites are seriously polluted by some elements. In general, northeast in Beijing is a clean area and southwest is relatively polluted.