Neutron activation analysis of atmospheric biomonitors from the Azores: A comparative study of lower and higher plants

Summary

Within an extensive survey of lower and higher plants in the Azores' Terceira and Santa Maria islands, this study is focused on the evaluation of ectohydric bryophytes and bark from Cryptomeria japonica as an alternative to epiphytic lichens for air-monitoring purposes. Neutron activation analysis (k₀-NAA) has been applied to all field samples for elemental determinations. Judging from the present results, and since the islands embody most features of the whole archipelago, bryophytes do not appear as an option for further campaigns in the Azores, due to scanty supply and relatively poor performance as biomonitors. On the other hand, comparisons of bark with lichens collected at the same sites seem fairly good, and elements are enriched in bark to an even greater extent than in lichens. All things considered - including material availability and ecological concern - bark stands for a sensible choice for biomonitoring in the Azores.