Orbital - Vol. 16 No. 3 - July-September 2024
FULL PAPERS

Using Tillandsia usneoides as Biomonitor for Toxic Metals in the Air of Guanajuato's Tunnel Network

Elcia M. S. Brito
Universidad de Guanajuato
Bio
Pedro A. Zarate-Santoyo
Universidad de Guanajuato
Bio
César A. Caretta
Universidad de Guanajuato
Bio
Adan S. Lino
Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
Bio
Júlio C. Valerdi-Negreros
Universidad de Guanajuato
Bio
João Paulo M. Torres
Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
Bio
Olaf Malm
Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
Bio
Published September 29, 2024
Keywords
  • air pollution,
  • bromeliads,
  • indoor air quality,
  • passive biomonitoring
How to Cite
(1)
Brito, E. M. S.; Zarate-Santoyo, P. A.; Caretta, C. A.; Lino, A. S.; Valerdi-Negreros, J. C.; Torres, J. P. M.; Malm, O. Using Tillandsia Usneoides As Biomonitor for Toxic Metals in the Air of Guanajuato’s Tunnel Network . Orbital: Electron. J. Chem. 2024, 16, 161-168.

Abstract

Guanajuato town is an important touristic center of Mexico, and one of its main attractions is its tunnel network (subterranean streets). In this work the air quality inside this tunnel network was evaluated using samples of Tillandsia usneoides as a biomonitor. Twenty-one plastic passive samplers, containing 50 g of plants each, were installed at different points of this tunnel network. In addition, surface layer of the tunnel walls, close to the plant sampling sites, were collected. Estimates for the enrichment factor, using Fe as reference and standard metal crustal data, suggest that the origin of the suspended metals is probably geogenic for Cr, a mix for Cu, and anthropogenic for Zn and Hg. It is important to emphasize that the Guanajuato’s tunnel network is used both by pedestrians and vehicular traffic and, probably, the last one is acting as the main source for toxic elements for the tunnel’s air.