Characterization of leaf-level particulate matter for an industrial city using electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis

G. Sgrigna, C. Baldacchini, R. Esposito, R. Calandrelli, Abhishek Tiwary, C. Calfapietra

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

48 Citations (Scopus)
5 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This study reports application of monitoring and characterization protocol for particulate matter (PM) deposited on tree leaves, using Quercus ilex as a case study species. The study area is located in the industrial city of Terni in central Italy, with high PM concentrations. Four trees were selected as representative of distinct pollution environments based on their proximity to a steel factory and a street. Wash off from leaves onto cellulose filters were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, inferring the associations between particle sizes, chemical composition, and sampling location. Modeling of particle size distributions showed a tri-modal fingerprint, with the three modes centered at 0.6 (factory related), 1.2 (urban background), and 2.6 μm (traffic related). Chemical detection identified 23 elements abundant in the PM samples. Principal component analysis recognized iron and copper as source-specific PM markers, attributed mainly to industrial and heavy traffic pollution respectively. Upscaling these results on leaf area basis provided a useful indicator for strategic evaluation of harmful PM pollutants using tree leaves.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)91-99
JournalScience of the Total Environment
Volume548-49
Early online date20 Jan 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2016

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Characterization of leaf-level particulate matter for an industrial city using electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this