Transplantation of epiphytic bioaccumulators (Tillandsia capillaris) for high spatial resolution biomonitoring of trace elements and point sources deconvolution in a complex mining/smelting urban context

2013

Article référencé dans le Web of Science WOS:000328094800035

Goix S., Resongles E., Point David, Oliva P., Duprey Jean-Louis, de la Galvez E., Ugarte L., Huayta C., Prunier J., Zouiten C., Gardon Jacques

Atmospheric Environment, 2013, 80, p. 330-341 ISSN 1352-2310

Monitoring atmospheric trace elements (TE) levels and tracing their source origin is essential for exposure assessment and human health studies. Epiphytic Tillandsia capillaris plants were used as bio-accumulator of TE in a complex polymetallic mining/smelting urban context (Oruro, Bolivia). Specimens collected from a pristine reference site were transplanted at a high spatial resolution (similar to 1 sample/km(2)) throughout the urban area. About twenty-seven elements were measured after a 4-month exposure, also providing new information values for reference material BCR482. Statistical power analysis for this biomonitoring mapping approach against classical aerosols surveys performed on the same site showed the better aptitude of T. Capillaris to detect geographical trend, and to deconvolute multiple contamination sources using geostatistical principal component analysis. Transplanted specimens in the vicinity of the mining and smelting areas were characterized by extreme TE accumulation (Sn > Ag > Sb > Pb > Cd > As > W > Cu > Zn). Three contamination sources were identified: mining (Ag, Pb, Sb), smelting (As, Sn) and road traffic (Zn) emissions, confirming results of previous aerosol survey.

Sciences fondamentales / Techniques d'analyse et de recherche [020] ; Sciences du milieu [021] ; Sciences de la Terre : généralités [060]

BOLIVIE

Fonds IRD [F B010061356]

fdi:010061356