Atmospheric Pollutants and the Occurrence of Bromeliads in Electric Power Distribution Network

Abstract

The occurrence of atmospheric bromeliads (Tillandsia spp.-Bromeliaceae) in the structures of electric power distribution networks is a problem for energy concessionaires. It causes the impression of abandonment and energy distributors do not have enough information to understand the impacts caused by this infestation. A research project is underway to investigate possible factors contributing to bromeliad occurrence in these structures. One stage of the project is to evaluate the correlation between atmospheric pollutants and the occurrence of bromeliads in urban electric network cables. This was made by using principal component analysis to evaluate the correlation between atmospheric pollutants concentration obtained by dispersion modelling and field data of bromeliad abundance. The results indicate a correlation between pollutants and infestation of bromeliads in regions with higher vehicular than industrial emissions in the study area (Ponta Grossa city, Paraná State, Brazil).