Abstract

ASTORGA BUSTILLOS, Fernando Rafael et al. Pinus halepensis Mill: as environmental pollution indicator in an urban industrial zone. Rev. mex. de cienc. forestales [online]. 2011, vol.2, n.7, pp.79-86. ISSN 2007-1132.

Particulate matter (TSP) is one of the main pollutants in the air; its monitoring can be carried out by using mechanical equipment or living organisms (biomonitoring). The monitoring of TSP with high volume samplers (HV) is very precise but very expensive. A more economic alternative is the use of foliage as a biomonitor in the estimation of TSP concentrations. The objective of this research was to study the relationship between TSP concentrations and the particulate material retained (PMR) in Aleppo pine needles, with the aim of using this pine species as a passive biomonitor for air quality. The study was conducted on an industrial zone (Nombre de Dios) in Chihuahua, Mexico, from November 2007 till May 2008. TSP concentrations were determined according to EPA method I0-2.1. The monitoring was carried out for 24-hr in 6 days cycles. The PMR was determined by sampling and washing pine's needles once per month. The results showed a strong correlation (0,901) between the concentration of TSP and PMR. The regression model gave an R² of 0,812, so we can ascertain that PMR can be considered as an acceptable predictor for measuring TSP. In conclusion the use of Aleppo pine leaves as a passive biomonitor of TSP is a viable alternative compared to active sampling using HV equipment, especially in medium and long term studies monitoring air quality. This methodology is practical and can be applied in small towns and remote sites whithout electricity supply.

Keywords : Biomonitoring; environmental indicator; particulate matter retained; high volume sampling; total suspended particles; Pinus halepensis Mill.