Isotopic analyses of Hypogymnia physodes (C, N, S, Pb) as a tool for assessing anthropopressure in the Świętokrzyski National Park (Poland)

English Abstract:

Bioindicators eg. lichens are one of the most popular and useful tools for assessing an anthropogenic impact on air quality. The main goals of the present study are: (i) to compare air quality under different levels of human impact: low (Świętokrzyski National Park - ŚPN) and high (cities and industry in the vicinity of the ŚPN) and thus (ii) to assess the anthropogenic pressure on the environment using quantitative (atmospheric pollutant concentration) and qualitative (isotope compositions of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and lead isotope ratios).

Samples were collected during heating season between the 1^st and 3^rd February 2013. Samples of Hypogymnia physodes were collected in 20 locations within the ŚNP (n=18) and in its nearest vicinity (n=2). Lichens were taken from bark and branches of Abies alba trees.

Concentrations of SO₂ and NO₂ in the surrounding air were analyzed by the Amay-Krochmal method using passive samplers. CO₂ concentrations and corresponding δ¹³C were measured using Gasbench II-CF-IRMS. Isotope compositions of C and N from bioindicators were determined by EA-CF-IRMS and S isotope compositions by DI-IRMS and Pb ratios by MC-ICP-MS.

Preliminary conclusions of this work are as follows: (i) S, C, N and Pb point at distinct origins and different bio-physico-chemical pathways; (ii) δ¹³C results shows an altitude effect but no relationship with the corresponding C concentrations; (iii) δ¹⁵N shows a slightly positive relationship with altitude as well as with N concentration that could reflect inputs from fossil fuels combustion; (iv) δ³⁴S are currently analyzed and results will be presented during conference; (v) Pb isotope results indentify an industrial origin; (vi) the highest NO₂ concentrations are located near main roads; (vii) the maximum SO₂ concentrations are observed at the highest altitude and open locations indicating long-distance deposition of regional pollutants; (viii) anthropogenic air pollutants are reflection of industry derived by local dominant (S and SW) wind direction.