The use of biomonitor <i>Tillandsia capillaris</i> to characterize the extent of atmospheric contamination by metals in the mining city of Oruro (Bolivia)

Abstract

The monitoring of air pollution by PM is high of concern because of the impact of these particles on the environment but also because of their numerous adverse effects on human health. An alternative to the use of filters to identify environmental pollutants contained in these particles such as heavy metals is the use of bioindicator species. Tillandsia capillaris are epiphytic plants of the family of Bromeliads and are often used in the air quality monitoring studies because all their nutrients are issued from the atmosphere.The main objective of this study was whether this species, adapted to the Andean climate, can serve as bioindicator species of air quality at the mining town of Oruro (Bolivia), where many pollution sources are identified. Bioaccumulation kinetics was conducted by exposing Tillandsia capillaris between 1 and 6 months in different areas of the city. The results clearly show a high level of pollution in the tin smelter in the East of the city. At this zone, biomonitors present a saturation even loss of metallic elements from 4 months of exposure. This leads us to conclude that in the case of heavy metal pollution, this plant is not suitable for a trace element tracking over 4 months. By cons, for urban areas less exposed to atmospheric metals, this plant reflects the metal levels in the air and can integrate this pollution over much longer periods than studies of filters.</p