Abstract

ESTEVEZ ALVAREZ, Juan et al. Biomonitoring of the atmospheric pollution in Havana during 2004-2005 survey. Nucleus [online]. 2011, n.50, pp. 18-23. ISSN 0864-084X.

ABSTRACT An epiphytic lichen (physcia alba sp.) grown over Royal Palm (Roystonea regia) tree was used as bioindicator of air quality in Havana City. A total of 225 lichen samples were collected in 181 selected sites according to traffic and industrial conditions. The concentrations of 15 elements (Na, Mg, Al, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Cd and Pb) were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence and Anodic Stripping Voltammetry. Principal Component Analysis was applied to analytical results and some factors were obtained. Finally, maps with lichen elemental contents and factors’ patterns are presented. Several possible pollution sources were identified.

Keywords : heavy metals; lichens; air pollution monitoring; X-ray fluorescence analysis; absorption spectroscopy; voltametry.

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