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http://hdl.handle.net/1942/1547
Title: | Transplanted lichens as biomonitors for atmospheric fluoride pollution near two fluoride point sources in Flanders (Belgium) | Authors: | GEEBELEN, Wouter BIJNENS, Olga ADRIAENSSENS, Elke Makkonen, S. RUTTENS, Ann CARLEER, Robert YPERMAN, Jan CLIJSTERS, Herman Holopainen, T. VANGRONSVELD, Jaco Claeys, N. |
Issue Date: | 2005 | Publisher: | Royal Botanical Society of Belgium | Source: | BELGIAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY, 138(2). p. 141-151 | Abstract: | In order to monitor atmospheric fluoride pollution, epiphytic lichens (Parmelia sulcata) were collected in a rural area and transplanted to two fluoride point sources (Genk and Beerse) and one reference location (Diepenbeek). In Genk and Beerse, lichens were installed at various distances from the source. In Diepenbeek, lichens were only transplanted to one station. Fluoride concentrations in ambient air were measured close to the lichen transplants placed closest to the fluoride source. Lichen vitality parameters (i.e., lichen colour and algal vitality) together with fluoride and trace element concentrations were measured just before transplantation, and 6 and 12 months after transplantation. Before transplantation no fluoride was detected in P. sulcata samples (< 5 mg F− kg−1). In Genk fluoride concentrations in lichens gradually increased up to 134 mg kg−1 after 12 months. In Beerse transplants contained 243 mg F− kg−1; all transplants were killed close to the fluoride source after 6 months. Besides fluorides, increased Cu concentrations were found in these lichens. Furthermore, SO2 emission was substantially higher in Beerse compared to Genk and Diepenbeek, which makes it difficult to conclude whether lichens close to the source in Beerse were killed because of fluorides alone, or a combination of fluorides, Cu and/or SO2. At both locations fluoride concentrations in lichens substantially decreased at 2 km distance from the source, confirming the relatively local character of atmospheric fluoride pollution. | Keywords: | ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION; BIO-INDICATOR; EPIPHYTE; FLUORIDE; LICHEN; TRACE ELEMENTS | Document URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/1942/1547 | Link to publication/dataset: | http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/rbsb/bjb/2006/00000138/00000002/art00004 | ISSN: | 0778-4031 | ISI #: | 000236238000004 | Category: | A1 | Type: | Journal Contribution | Validations: | ecoom 2007 |
Appears in Collections: | Research publications |
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