Two species of vascular plants, Spartium junceum L. and Genista aetnensis (Raf. ex Biv.) DC., were used as biomonitors of heavy metals in three sam- pling areas on the eastern slope of Mt. Etna (Catania, Italy). Concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, Mn, Zn, Al and V were determined in plants and soil. A statistical analysis showed that variations in metal concentrations depended on three main factors: human activity in the area, especially motor traffic, proximity to the crater (a source of gaseous emissions and particulate) and physiological differ- ences between species related to their altitudinal ecological optimum. The latter aspect is discussed as a possible source of interference in the interpretation of monitoring results based on plant bioindicators growing at different altitudes.
A statistical analysis on Spartium junceum and Genista aetnensis as heavy metal biomonitors of urbanized areas
RIZZO, MARCELLA;RANDO, ROSSANA;MATARESE PALMIERI, Rosina
2012-01-01
Abstract
Two species of vascular plants, Spartium junceum L. and Genista aetnensis (Raf. ex Biv.) DC., were used as biomonitors of heavy metals in three sam- pling areas on the eastern slope of Mt. Etna (Catania, Italy). Concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, Mn, Zn, Al and V were determined in plants and soil. A statistical analysis showed that variations in metal concentrations depended on three main factors: human activity in the area, especially motor traffic, proximity to the crater (a source of gaseous emissions and particulate) and physiological differ- ences between species related to their altitudinal ecological optimum. The latter aspect is discussed as a possible source of interference in the interpretation of monitoring results based on plant bioindicators growing at different altitudes.Pubblicazioni consigliate
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