Biomonitoring of particulate matter by magnetic properties of Ulmus carpinifolia leaves (original) (raw)
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Geophysical Journal International, 2008
Elevated levels of airborne particulate matter (PM) are a current problem for air quality in many major metropolitan areas. Many European cities have tightened the PM limits in the air, due to advances in monitoring PM levels. In order to establish guidelines for monitoring and curbing anthropogenic PM output, a better understanding of its origin, composition and diffusion is required. Biomonitoring of magnetic properties of tree leaves has been suggested previously to be a good approach to measure pollution levels in cities both in space and time. We report on a magnetic biomonitoring study of PM in the city of Rome, conducted from 2005 October to December. We collected approximately 180 different sample sets of tree leaves of Quercus ilex, an evergreen oak widely distributed in Rome, at 112 different locations. Specific magnetic susceptibility χ of the leaf is used as a fast, easy and cost-effective proxy to assess levels of primary anthropogenic airborne PM pollution. Highly polluted areas correlate with high traffic areas, with an average susceptibility value of χ = 3.2 × 10 −7 m 3 kg −1 . Low traffic zones are characterized by values more than an order of magnitude lower at χ = 1.4 × 10 −8 m 3 kg −1 , and the background magnetic susceptibility is around χ = 2.6 × 10 −9 m 3 kg −1 . The data show that distance dependence from the source is the most significant factor for the concentration of magnetic PM, and that pollution levels and sources can be reliably delineated by measuring magnetic susceptibility values on tree leaf samples of Q. ilex. A new protocol for magnetic susceptibility measurements is proposed, in order to account for changes due to water evaporation in the leaves as a function of time after collection of the samples. Additional magnetic analyses, such as acquisition of artificial remanences and hysteresis properties, were used to characterize the mineralogy and grain size of the magnetic PM. The results indicate that the population of ferrimagnetic phases have a homogenous composition and grain size throughout the investigated area.
On leaf magnetic homogeneity in particulate matter biomonitoring studies
Geophysical Research Letters, 2007
1] Biomonitoring of magnetic properties of tree leaves has been postulated to be a good approach to measure particulate matter (PM) pollution levels. We studied the variation of magnetic hysteresis parameters on leaves of Quercus ilex, an evergreen oak previously used for magnetic biomonitoring of air pollution in Rome (Italy). The hysteresis parameters (M RS , M S , B CR and B C ) measured on specimens collected at a close spacing on the surface of two single leaves show variances that are smaller than those observed on a collection of Q. ilex leaves sampled from several trees distributed along high-traffic roads. The variability is higher for magnetizations than for coercivities. This suggests a uniform source for the magnetic particles, such that variations are due mainly to changes in concentration. The normalized hysteresis cycles are remarkably similar for all the specimens. Normalization of magnetic moments by mass appears however more efficient than normalization by volume. Citation: Szönyi, M., L. Sagnotti, and A. M. Hirt , On leaf magnetic homogeneity in particulate matter biomonitoring studies, Geophys. Res. Lett., 34, L06306,
Air pollution survey in Rome using magnetic properties of tree leaves
2003
We report a biomonitoring study of air pollution in Rome based on the magnetic properties of tree leaves. In a first step, magnetic properties of leaves from different tree species from the same location were compared. It was observed that leaves of evergreen species, like Quercus ilex, present much higher magnetic intensities than those of deciduous species, like Platanus sp., suggesting that leaves accumulate magnetic pollutants during their whole lifespan.
Biomonitoring of traffic air pollution in Rome using magnetic properties of tree leaves
Atmospheric Environment, 2003
We report a biomonitoring study of air pollution in Rome based on the magnetic properties of tree leaves.In a first step, magnetic properties of leaves from different tree species from the same location were compared. It was observed that leaves of evergreen species, like Quercus ilex, present much higher magnetic intensities than those of deciduous species, like Platanus sp., suggesting that leaves accumulate magnetic pollutants during their whole lifespan.In a second step, leaves from Q. ilex and Platanus sp. trees, both very common in Rome, have been used to monitor traffic emission pollution in two different periods. A Platanus sp. sampling campaign was undertaken in October 2001, at the end of the seasonal vegetational cycle, and 5 Q. ilex monthly sampling campaigns from April to August 2002.The strong difference observed in the magnetic susceptibility from leaves collected in green areas and roads allowed the realization of detailed pollution distribution maps from the south of Rome. Magnetic properties indicate that high concentrations and relatively larger grain-sizes of magnetic particles are observed in trees located along roads with high vehicle traffic and in the vicinity of railways. The decrease in concentration and grain size of magnetic particles with distance from the roadside confirms that magnetic properties of leaves are related to air pollution from vehicle emissions.The results indicate that a magnetic survey of tree leaves, which is relatively rapid and inexpensive, may be used in addition to the classical air quality monitoring systems to identify and delineate high-polluted areas in urban environments.
Mapping Air Pollution Using Magnetometery on Tree Leaves in Tehran Metropolitan, Iran
2012
Mollashahi M. Ph.D. Candidate, Dep. of Forestry, Tarbiat Modares University Alimohammadian H. Assistance Prof, Environment Magnetic Laboratory, Dep. of Geology and Mineral Exploration Hosseini S.M. Associate Prof., Dep. of Forestry, Tarbiat Modares University of Iran Riahi A. Assistance Prof, Dep. of Environment, TarbiatModares University Feizi V. Ph.D. Candidate of Geography, Climatology, University of Tehran Satareiyan A. Assistance Prof., Dep. of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resource, Gonbad Kavus University
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2007
The magnetic properties of tree leaves along with their ecological, economical and aesthetic importance can be used to control road derived respirable particulates. Isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM 300 mT) of three different tree leaves viz. Mango (Mangifera indica), Sisso (Dalbergia sisso) and Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) were determined and IRM 300 mT normalized for the leaf area. The normalized 2-D magnetization of leaves as shown by results is dominantly controlled by leaf morphology and traffic density. F. benghalensis (Banyan) leaf has highest 2-D magnetization and D. sisso (Sisso) leaf having least 2-D magnetization suggesting greater ability of F. benghalensis (Banyan) tree leaves to reduce magnetic particulates. The particle size of the magnetic grains falls in the category of PM2.5, a particle size hazardous to human health due to its capacity to be inhaled deeply into the lungs. Keywords Magnetic properties. IRM 300 mT. Aesthetic. Keystone species. Background magnetization
Monitoring Of Vehicles Derived Particulates Using Magnetic Properties Of Leaves
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2006
Biomonitoring of vehicle-derived particulates is conducted by taking magnetic measurements of roadside tree leaves. Remanent magnetization (IRM300 mT) of more than 400 Delbergia sissoo leaves was determined and IRM300 mT normalized for the leaf area. The normalized 2-D magnetization as shown by results is dominantly controlled by the tree's distance to the road. The spatial and temporal variations of vehicle-derived particulates were mapped using magnetic analysis. 2D-magnetizations values were higher for leaves collected adjacent to major road sections than for those from village road suggesting vehicle emissions, rather than resuspended road dust, as the major cause of magnetic particles of roadside tree leaves. Vehicles derived particulates are responsible for tree leaf magnetism, and the leaf magnetizations values fall significantly from high values proximal to the roadside to lower values at the distal side. This suggests the ability of trees to reduce particulates concentrations in the atmosphere. The rainfall produces a net decrease in the leaf magnetic dust loadings.
Magneto-biomonitoring of intra-urban spatial variations of particulate matter using tree leaves
Environmental geochemistry and …, 2009
Preliminary mineral magnetic results from a pilot project investigating the suitability of roadside tree leaves as depositories of vehicular pollution are presented. Tree leaf surfaces (Lime: Tilia europaea; Sycamore: Acer pseudoplatanus) at four roadside and one woodland location in Wolverhampton, UK, have been monitored (July 2003 to November 2003). Mineral magnetic technologies have revealed spatial variations of particulate pollution concentration throughout the conurbation and data analysis indicates that magnetic concentration parameters are suitable proxies for fine particulate pollution, which are particularly hazardous to health. Site-specific traffic management and associated vehicle behaviour appear to be chiefly responsible for the magnetic concentration differences between sites. Magneto-biomonitoring in this way allows the highresolution spatial mapping of particulate matter (PM) pollution, which may also benefit epidemiology in better assessing exposure to vehicular-derived particulates. Given the speed, measurement sensitivity and non-destructive nature of the technique, it is proposed that this low-cost approach offers some advantages over centralised monitoring stations to monitor urban roadside particulate pollution.
Science of The Total Environment, 2008
Magnetic properties of atmospheric particulate matter collected by both natural and artificial dust receptors are increasingly being used as proxy parameters for environmental analyses. This study reports the first investigation of the relationship between smelting factory activity and the impact on the environment as recorded by the magnetic signature in Salix matsudana tree rings. Magnetic techniques including low-temperature experiments, successive acquisition of isothermal remanent magnetisation (IRM), hysteresis loops and measurements of saturated IRM (SIRM) indicated that magnetic particles were omnipresent in tree bark and trunk wood, and that these particles were predominantly magnetite with multidomain properties. The magnetic properties of tree trunk and branch cores sampled from different directions and heights implied that the acquisition of magnetic particles by a tree depends on both orientation and height. The differences of SIRM values of tree ring cores indicated that pollution source-facing tree trunk wood contained significantly more magnetic particles than other faces. The results indicated that magnetic particles are most likely to be intercepted and collected by tree bark and then enter into tree xylem tissues during the growing season to become finally enclosed into the tree ring by lignification.