Distribution and sources of PAHs using three pine species along the Ebro River

Abstract

Needles of three pine species (Pinus halepensis, Pinus pinea and Pinus nigra) were analysed to assess the occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in 34 sites located throughout the Ebro River, in Northeast Spain. Overall, the concentration varied between 55 and 808 ng g(-1) (dry weight). The three- and four-ring PAHs were the most representative, with phenanthrene having 43% of the total PAH load and naphthalene showing a high incidence in rural areas. Despite matrix apparent similarities, P. halepensis needles revealed higher entrapment levels than P. nigra and P. pinea, the latter showing the lowest levels. The assessment of possible sources using PAH ratios (phenanthrene/anthracene and fluoranthene/pyrene) did not reveal a clear tendency regarding the distinction of petrogenic and pyrogenic sources in general, reflecting heterogeneous sources of PAHs in the Ebro area.

Accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the spider webs in the vicinity of road traffic emissions

“…PAHs are present in the atmosphere in vapor and particle-bound phase and can be deposited on soil, water, sediments, and living organism tissues by wet and dry deposition (De Nicola et al 2011). Vegetation is an effective media for catchment of these compounds mainly through atmospheric deposition (Ratola et al 2012). Several taxa have been commonly used as biomonitors, such as mosses, lichens, and tree leaves (Shukla and Upreti 2009; Prajapati and Triphati 2008; Zechmeister et al 2006).…”

“…Several taxa have been commonly used as biomonitors, such as mosses, lichens, and tree leaves (Shukla and Upreti 2009; Prajapati and Triphati 2008; Zechmeister et al 2006). Pine needles are considered as an important matrix for the biomonitoring of PAHs because of their relatively long life-span and lipidic waxy cover prone to accumulate airborne contaminants (Ratola et al 2010; 2012). …”

Toward standardization of sample collection and preservation for the quality of results in biomonitoring with trees – A critical review

“…Indications pertaining to the handling of packaging, that is, whether this should be closed (airtight) Piccardo et al, 2005;Ratola et al, , 2011aRatola et al, , 2012 or be left open Lindroos et al, 2007) could be found in 30% of the publications that specified packaging materials. The materials used in those cases are exclusively plastic or glass.…”

Presence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Semi-Rural Environment in Mexico City

“…The green parts of vegetables or skin of fruits are provided with an epicuticular wax which acts as a sorbent for lipophylic contaminants (Ratola et al, 2011). It is necessary evaluate crops from semi-rural zones of Mexico City by periodically to assess good quality of products of organic contaminants such as aromatic hydrocarbons.…”