Title: Study on air pollution in Beijing's major industrial areas using multielements in biomonitors and NAA techniques

Authors: Ni Bangfa, Tian Weizhi, Wang Pingsheng, Zhang Lanzhi, Zhang Guiying, Liu Cunxiong, Huang Donghui, Li Dehong

Addresses: China Institute of Atomic Energy, P.O. Box 275-50, Beijing 102413, China. ' China Institute of Atomic Energy, P.O. Box 275-50, Beijing 102413, China. ' China Institute of Atomic Energy, P.O. Box 275-50, Beijing 102413, China. ' China Institute of Atomic Energy, P.O. Box 275-50, Beijing 102413, China. ' China Institute of Atomic Energy, P.O. Box 275-50, Beijing 102413, China.' China Institute of Atomic Energy, P.O. Box 275-50, Beijing 102413, China. ' China Institute of Atomic Energy, P.O. Box 275-50, Beijing 102413, China. ' China Institute of Atomic Energy, P.O. Box 275-50, Beijing 102413, China

Abstract: Three kinds of plant leaves, Chinese white poplar, arborvitae and pine needles were evaluated as a biomonitor for air pollution studies. Thirty-two trace elements have been determined by using relative and the K₀ methods of instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA). The results indicated that Chinese white poplar leaves are a good biomonitor in particular seasons and the pine needles are better than arborvitae for yearly monitoring. Air pollution in Beijing city using poplar as a biomonitor for 46 sampling sites was evaluated. The results indicate some sites are seriously polluted by some elements. In general, northeast in Beijing is a clean area and southwest is relatively polluted.

Keywords: biomonitors; air pollution; neutron activation analysis; NAA; multielements; poplar leaves; Beijing; China; arborvitae leaves; pine needles; trace elements.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2008.018409

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2008 Vol.32 No.4, pp.456 - 466

Published online: 21 May 2008 *

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