Lichens as "control units" for the characterization of atmospheric fine particulate matter in Milan: this is the object of the study conducted by INGV, the University of Siena and the Federico II University of Naples
The magnetic properties of lichens transplanted and exposed in the city are a valid indicator of the bioaccumulation of heavy metals – such as iron, chromium, copper and antimony – mainly emitted by the braking actions of cars and means of transport. This is what emerges from a research conducted by researchers from the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Siena and the Federico II University of Naples, recently published in the journal “Applied Sciences”.
Fine atmospheric particles from anthropic pollution are the subject of growing epidemiological interest which, in addition to being testified by numerous scientific researches, enjoys wide relevance in national newspapers. In particular, growing attention to fine particles has focused on the debated role of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) in the transport and diffusion of chemical and biological contaminants, including viruses.
“In the study we published”, explains Aldo Winkler, Senior Technologist of INGV and co-author of the article, “the magnetic, chemical and morphological properties of the fine particles accumulated by transplanted lichens and exposed for three months in twenty-five sites in the city of Milan which, with its 1,4 million inhabitants, is one of the most densely populated of Italy”.
The Lombard capital is located in the Po Valley, a region notoriously characterized by thermal inversion, stagnation of air masses and a continental climate, with long, harsh winters and high temperatures in summer: these characteristics make it one of the areas most affected by pollution from atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10, depending on its aerodynamic diameter) in Europe.
"In this context", continues the researcher, “The magnetic susceptibility of lichens is a simple and quick parameter to measure, useful for the characterization of air pollution of anthropic origin quickly and at low cost. Our research has therefore highlighted, and statistically validated, how the magnetic properties of lichen transplants constitute a valid indicator of the bioaccumulation of heavy metals present in the atmospheric particulate. Furthermore, the combination of chemical, magnetic and morphoscopic analyzes allowed us to pinpoint brake abrasion the main source of fine magnetic particles (with a high content of heavy metals) intercepted by the lichens exposed in the city of Milan"Winkler concludes.
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A lichen bag, a “package” of lichens displayed in the study area as a tool for environmental monitoring