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Trace Element Concentrations From Lichen Transplants in Pretoria, South Africa

Trace Element Concentrations From Lichen Transplants in Pretoria, South Africa

Joshua Oluwole Olowoyo, E van Heerden, J L Fischer

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2011 May;18(4):663-8.

PMID: 21080091

Abstract:

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to assess the level and possible sources of trace elements in Tshwane metropolis using transplanted lichen thallus of Parmelia sulcata with a view to evaluating the ability of this lichen species to monitor air pollutants from a perceived polluted environment.
Methods:
Samples of the lichen thalli were transplanted into ten different sites and covered with a net. Samples were exposed for 3 months. Concentrations of ten trace elements were determined with the use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
Results:
A significant difference was observed in the values of elemental concentration in lichen from unpolluted area and those transplanted to all the sites (p < 0.01). Variations in values of trace elements recorded in lichen transplant from different sites were also statistically significant (p < 0.01). The high traffic sites showed significantly higher elemental concentrations, particularly for Pb, Zn, and Cu than the industrial and residential areas (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Trends in the trace element values from different sites suggested that the elements might have come from anthropogenic sources.

Chemicals Related in the Paper:

Catalog Number	Product Name	Structure	CAS Number	Price
AS2121456	Lichen (trace elements)			Price

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