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The use of Tillandsia usneoides L. as bioindicator of air pollution in São Paulo, Brazil

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Abstract

Epiphytic bromeliadTillandsia usneoides was used as a biomonitor of metal atmospheric pollution in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The samples were collected from an unpolluted area and were exposed for 8 weeks in 10 sites of the city and in a control site. The data obtained showed that the control site presented lower concentration for most elements analyzed and the highest concentrations of Na, Cl, Br, K. The highest concentrations of Zn, Cu and V were observed in stations submitted to industrial and vehicular sources. The results obtained for rare earth elements, Al, Fe, Mg, Mn, Rb and Sc indicate mineral dust origin. The elements Ba, As and Sb presented higher values in stations near streets with heavy traffic.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radiochemistry Division, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, IPEN-CNEN/SP Avenida Prof, Lineu Prestes, 2242, CEP 05508-000, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil

    A. M. G. Figueiredo, A. L. Alcalá, R. B. Ticianelli & M. Saiki

  2. Instituto de Botânica, Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil

    M. Domingos

Authors
  1. A. M. G. Figueiredo
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  2. A. L. Alcalá
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  3. R. B. Ticianelli
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  4. M. Domingos
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  5. M. Saiki
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Figueiredo, A.M.G., Alcalá, A.L., Ticianelli, R.B. et al. The use of Tillandsia usneoides L. as bioindicator of air pollution in São Paulo, Brazil. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry 259, 59–63 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JRNC.0000015806.15495.89

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JRNC.0000015806.15495.89

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