Title: Elemental composition analysis in lichens transplanted to the western region of Catamarca, Argentina

Authors: Raquel Clara Jasan; Carolina Beatriz Mohaded Aybar; Alejandra Irupé Ocampo; Luis Iraúl Palomeque; Martha Susana Cañas

Addresses: Técnicas Analíticas Nucleares, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, Av. del Libertador 8250, (1429) Buenos Aires, Argentina. ' Cátedra de Química, Facultad de Tecnología y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad Nacional de Catamarca, Maximio Victoria 55, (4700) San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, Argentina. ' Cátedra de Química, Facultad de Tecnología y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad Nacional de Catamarca, Maximio Victoria 55, (4700) San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, Argentina. ' Cátedra de Química, Facultad de Tecnología y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad Nacional de Catamarca, Maximio Victoria 55, (4700) San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, Argentina. ' Cátedra de Química, Facultad de Tecnología y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad Nacional de Catamarca, Maximio Victoria 55, (4700) San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, Argentina

Abstract: Thalli of the lichen Parmotrema austrosinense were collected in their natural non-polluted habitat and transplanted to 18 monitoring sites within an area of the western region of Catamarca province (Argentina) where fruticose lichens are absent. This region is going through a reactivation phase, owing to large-scale mining development and agricultural expansion. The concentrations of 25 elements were determined in the thalli by instrumental neutron activation analysis. In general, the elemental accumulation of P. austrosinense was low when transplanted to the study area. By means of factor analysis it could be inferred that elements of soil and rock have influence over air quality in the study zone. The presence of uranium and arsenic in two separate factors was related to natural sources of these elements present in the region.

Keywords: air quality; arsenic; environmental pollution; lichens; load factor; neutron activation analysis; trace elements; uranium; air pollution; Argentina.

DOI: 10.1504/IJENVH.2011.044142

International Journal of Environment and Health, 2011 Vol.5 No.4, pp.304 - 317

Published online: 09 Dec 2011 *

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