Use of Spanish Moss as an atmospheric monitor for trace elements

Abstract

Samples of Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides L.) were analyzed by neutron activation analysis (NAA) and inductively coupled argon plasma emission spectrometry (ICP) for trace elements as atmospheric environmental monitors. The plant material was collected at a single location in east Texas, then deployed along a 6×6 matrix gridwork in the extreme northeastern corner of the state. The study area includes several possible pollution sources including fossil fuel fired power plants. Two separate study periods were conducted, one during the summer months of 1989 and the other the following winter. Concentrations of about 35 elements were determined and contour plots for each element were pepared for each study period. Concentration ranges were found to be somewhat lower than those reported in other studies using epiphytic plants as environmental indicators. Initial correlations between elements and the possible relationships to pollution sources are discussed.