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Lichen sulphur and lead levels in relation to deposition patterns in Eastern Canada

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Abstract

Marked differences exist between the S and Pb concentration in Cladina ranziferina collected from eastern Canada and the Northwest Territories, Canada. These differences reflected the differing emission/deposition rates in the two regions. The spatial distribution of S and Pb in the lichen from eastern Canada is described in detail. Mean S concentrations ranged from 329 to 959 μg g−l; Pb concentrations varied in the range 3 to 21 μg g−l. A regional gradient in lichen S concentrations was evident with the highest concentrations being found in central and north-central Ontario and the lowest in Newfoundland. A regional gradient for Pb was apparent but was not as well defined as that for S. The regional distribution of S illustrated by the lichen agreed with another indirect measurement of S deposition. Lichen S concentrations correlated with measured wet sulphate deposition.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Atmospheric Environment Service, 4905 Dufferin Street, M3H 5T4, Downsview, Ontario, Canada

    E. M. Zakshek & K. J. Puckett

  2. Maritime Forest Research Centre, Canadian Forestry Service, E3B 5P7, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

    K. E. Percy

Authors
  1. E. M. Zakshek
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  2. K. J. Puckett
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  3. K. E. Percy
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Zakshek, E.M., Puckett, K.J. & Percy, K.E. Lichen sulphur and lead levels in relation to deposition patterns in Eastern Canada. Water Air Soil Pollut 30, 161–169 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00305185

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00305185

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