Abstract

GOMEZ CAICEDO, Henry David et al. Active biomonitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at the Caracas valled-Venezuela using Parmotrema sacti-angelii (Linge) Hale lichen). Rev. Int. Contam. Ambient [online]. 2013, vol.29, n.4, pp.261-267. ISSN 0188-4999.

The aim of this work was to determine the ability of the lichen Parmotrema sancti-angelii (Lynge) Hale to characterize and quantify polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in the air of the Caracas city. The lichens were transplanted from a suburban area to six locations in the city, where they were exposed for a period of four months. Sixteen (16) PAHs were studied which only thirteen (13) were above the limit of quantification. The total concentration of PAHs ranged from 2553 to 7654 ng /g. The lichens showed an enrichment in high molecular weight compounds (5 and 6 rings) for the studied locations, associated with atmospheric particles commonly generated by combustion processes. The ratio Fen/Ant suggests a remarkable pyrogenic origin and the ratio Ind/Ind+B[g,h,i] P indicates the presence of PAHs from burning vegetation in all locations.

Keywords : air pollution; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; biological monitoring; transplanted lichen.

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