Title: Atmospheric dispersion of pollutants in Sado estuary (Portugal) using biomonitors

Authors: Maria Do Carmo Freitas, Ana Paula Marques, Miguel A. Reis, Maria Manvel Farinha

Addresses: ITN – Instituto Tecnologico e Nuclear Reactor, E.N. 10, Sacavem 2686-953, Portugal. ' ITN – Instituto Tecnologico e Nuclear Reactor, Apartado 21, Sacavem 2685-953, Portugal. ' ITN – Instituto Tecnologico e Nuclear Reactor, Apartado 21, Sacavem 2685-953, Portugal. ' ITN – Instituto Tecnologico e Nuclear Reactor, Apartado 21, Sacavem 2685-953, Portugal

Abstract: Epiphytic lichen transplants and aerosol samplers were put together in the Setubal area, Portugal. They were analysed by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) and Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE). The lichen dataset pointed out nine factors. No relevant differentiation was found towards different positioning of the lichens. T-transplants were delayed towards F-transplants, and for both after 3 and 6 months the accumulation was as much as at 9th month. Direct rainfall protection favoured accumulation for a few elements only. The elemental accumulation in lichens depended more on temperature and humidity conditions. Aerosol data towards lichen database showed an excellent correlation.

Keywords: lichens; aerosols; epiphytic lichen transplants; PM2.5; PM10; nuclear techniques; source apportionment; air pollution; pollutants dispersion; Portugal; biomonitors; temperature; humidity; metal concentrations.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2008.018408

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2008 Vol.32 No.4, pp.434 - 455

Published online: 21 May 2008 *

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