EN
Most biomonitoring studies worldwide have
evaluated the air quality in industrial and urban areas,
and even in mining areas to a lesser extent. However, air
quality investigations in agricultural areas are scarce.
In the present study, the trace metal accumulation and
physiological response of the biomonitor Tillandsia
capillaris were assessed. Plant samples were transplanted
to a reference site, a former open-cast uranium mine,
and agricultural sites with varying pollution levels (from
normal agricultural practices and near an open rubbish
dump) in the province of Córdoba, Argentina. Biomonitors
were exposed to ambient air for different exposure periods
for physiological or trace element determination. The
bioindicators revealed that the highest physiological
damage occurred at the sites close to the open dump and
the former uranium mine, while a comparison among
exposure periods indicating the winter season produced
the highest physiological damage in the biomonitor due
to the adverse climatic conditions and air pollution.
As the trace metal accumulation in the biomonitor was
mainly associated with the open dump and uranium
mine sites, monitoring and remediation programs should
now be applied to these sites in order to alleviate the
negative effects of pollution on the environment and the
population.