Modelling and mapping trace element accumulation in Sphagnum peatlands at the European scale using a geomatic model of pollutant emissions dispersion. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Diaz-de-Quijano, Maria; Joly, Daniel; Gilbert, Daniel; Toussaint, Marie-Laure; Franchi, Marielle; Fallot, Jean-Michel; Bernard, Nadine
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 214(2016)
• Page Start: 8
• Page End: 16
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: PM10 -- Residential emissions -- Industrial emissions -- Long distance transportation -- Non-monitored ecosystems -- Air pollution abatement policies evaluation; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.03.036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: Trace elements (TEs) transported by atmospheric fluxes can negatively impact isolated ecosystems. Modelling based on moss-borne TE accumulation makes tracking TE deposition in remote areas without monitoring stations possible. Using a single moss species from ombrotrophic hummock peatlands reinforces estimate quality. This study used a validated geomatic model of particulate matter dispersion to identify the origin of Cd, Zn, Pb and Cu accumulated in Sphagnum capillifolium and the distance transported from their emission sources. The residential and industrial sectors of particulate matter emissions showed the highest correlations with the TEs accumulated in S. capillifolium (0.28(Zn)-0.56(Cu)) and (0.27(Zn)-0.47(Cu), respectively). Distances of dispersion varied depending on the sector of emissions and the considered TE. The greatest transportation distances for mean emissions values were found in the industrial (10.6 km when correlating with all TEs) and roads sectors (13 km when correlating with Pb). The residential sector showed the shortest distances (3.6 km when correlating with Cu, Cd, and Zn). The model presented here is a new tool for evaluating the efficacy of air pollution abatement policies in non-monitored areas and provides high-resolution (200 × 200 m) maps of TE accumulation that make it possible to survey the potential impacts of TEs on isolated ecosystems. Graphical abstract: Highlights: A geomatic model was used to map trace element (TE) accumulations in Europe. TE bioaccumulations in one single species ( Sphagnum capillifolium ) give more consistent results. Our maps permit to evaluate the impacts of TE deposition in non-monitored areas. Residential and industrial emissions show the highest correlations with TEs. Strategies to protect isolated ecosystems should consider these emission sectors. Abstract : The new model uses TE data from one single moss species, offering more detailed and consistent information to survey the potential impacts of TE deposition on isolated ecosystems.