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Validation and Application of Plants as Biomonitors of Trace Element Atmospheric Pollution – A Co-Ordinated Effort in 14 Countries

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Abstract

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) organized a co-ordinated research project (CRP) on “Validation and application of plants as biomonitors of trace element atmospheric pollution analysed by nuclear and related techniques” involving 14 participating countries. The CRP’s objective was to identify appropriate bioindicators for local and/or regional application and validate them for general air pollution monitoring. Activities included quantification studies, research into spatial and time resolution for particular organisms, and physiological studies. A number of suitable bioindicators were identified in different parts of the globe and tested during the CRP. Sampling strategies were reviewed and the recommended approach adopted by the group. Appropriate sample preparation procedures were assessed and harmonised to the degree allowed by different geographic and climatic conditions in the participating countries. Two interlaboratory comparison exercises were carried out on lichen and moss materials. Results confirmed definite improvement in analytical performance of the participating laboratories, but also revealed possible inconsistencies due to different sample processing procedures. Several monitoring surveys were carried out and consequently pollution maps drawn for extended areas or countries. Overall results confirmed applicability of lower plants for assessing the degree of atmospheric pollution and provided several countries with effective monitoring tools not used before.

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Author notes

  1. B. Smodiš

    Present address: Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Authors and Affiliations

  1. International Atomic Energy Agency, Wagramer Strasse 5, P.O. Box 100, A-1400, Vienna, Austria

    B. Smodiš

  2. Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, Avda. Vélez Sársfield 1611, X5016 GCA, Córdoba, Argentina

    M. L. Pignata

  3. Radiochemistry Division, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, Travessa “R”, 400, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

    M. Saiki

  4. Centro de Estudios Nucleares La Reina, Comisión Chilena de Energía Nuclear, Avda. Nueva Bilbao 12501, Santiago, Chile

    E. CortÉs

  5. China Institute of Atomic Energy, P.O. Box 275-50, Beijing, 102413, China

    N. Bangfa

  6. International Graduate School Zittau, Markt 23, D-02763, Zittau, Germany

    B. Markert

  7. Physics Department, National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box LG 80, Legon – Accra, Ghana

    B. Nyarko

  8. National Centre for Compositional Characterisation of Materials, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Department of Atomic Energy, ECIL Post Hyderabad, 500062, India

    J. Arunachalam

  9. Department of Plant Sciences and Institute for Nature Conservation Research, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel

    J. Garty

  10. International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston 7, Jamaica, W.J.

    M. Vutchkov

  11. Interfaculty Reactor Institute, Department of Radiochemistry, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 15 2629, JB Delft, The Netherlands

    H. Th. Wolterbeek

  12. Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway

    E. Steinnes

  13. Instituto Tecnológico e Nuclear, Apartado 21 2685-953, Sacavém, Portugal

    M. C. Freitas

  14. “Horia Hulubei” National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Str. Atomistilor 407, P.O. Box MG-6, R-76 900, Bucharest-Magurele, Romania

    A. Lucaciu

  15. Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, 141980 Dubna, Moscow Region, Russia

    M. Frontasyeva

Authors
  1. B. Smodiš
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  2. M. L. Pignata
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  3. M. Saiki
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  4. E. CortÉs
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  5. N. Bangfa
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  6. B. Markert
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  7. B. Nyarko
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  8. J. Arunachalam
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  9. J. Garty
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  10. M. Vutchkov
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  11. H. Th. Wolterbeek
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  12. E. Steinnes
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  13. M. C. Freitas
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  14. A. Lucaciu
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  15. M. Frontasyeva
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. L. Pignata.

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Smodiš, B., Pignata, M.L., Saiki, M. et al. Validation and Application of Plants as Biomonitors of Trace Element Atmospheric Pollution – A Co-Ordinated Effort in 14 Countries. J Atmos Chem 49, 3–13 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10874-004-1210-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10874-004-1210-2

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