The multi-isotope biogeochemistry (S, C, N and Pb) of Hypogymnia physodes lichens: air quality approach in the Świętokrzyski National Park, Poland. Issue 4 (2nd November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ciężka, Monika Maria; Górka, Maciej; Trzyna, Agnieszka; Modelska, Magdalena; Łubek, Anna; Widory, David
• Is Part Of: Isotopes in environmental and health studies. Volume 58:Issue 4/6(2022)
• Page Start: 340
• Page End: 362
• Publication Date: 2022-11-02
• Subjects: Atmospheric contamination -- bioindicators -- carbon-13 -- isotope ecology -- nitrogen-15 -- Pb isotope ratios -- sulfur-34 -- Świętokrzyski National Park; Isotopes -- Periodicals; Radioisotopes -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Isotopes -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Radioisotopes -- Periodicals; 541.388
• DOI: 10.1080/10256016.2022.2110591
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1025-6016

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The isotope biogeochemistry of bioindicators has widely demonstrated its added value in environmental issues by allowing to precisely identify sources of contamination. Most of the studies are based on studying one or two isotope systematics. Here, we are presenting an innovative multi-proxy approach that combines chemistry with both stable (C, S, N) and radiogenic (Pb) isotope systematics. Using Hypogymnia physodes bioindicators, we evaluated air quality in the complex environment of the Świętokrzyski National Park (ŚNP, Poland) with the ultimate objective of isotopically identifying the sources responsible for the observed contamination. Combining the isotope systematics showed that home heating is a major source of contamination in winter, whereas the contribution of road traffic increases during the summer. Pb isotope ratios identified industrial activities as the major source of this metal in the atmosphere.