The influence of weather and climate on the reliability of magnetic properties of tree leaves as proxies for air pollution monitoring

Sci Total Environ. 2014 Jan 15:468-469:892-902. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.09.009. Epub 2013 Sep 28.

Abstract

Monthly monitoring of magnetic properties of Platanus hispanica tree leaves was used to assess atmospheric pollution in Madrid (Spain) and its suburban town of Pozuelo de Alarcón. Magnetic susceptibility, isothermal remanent magnetisation and metal concentrations were analysed to study the sources of atmospheric pollutants and their spatial and temporal evolution. In addition to urban dust, our results indicated that lithogenic dust and incorporation of trace metals in the leaf tissue also control the magnetic susceptibility of tree leaves. Global comparisons with cities of different climatic regimes suggest that air humidity is the key factor controlling the relative influence of pollutants, lithogenic dust and biological effects on the magnetic properties of tree leaves. Interaction of the atmosphere and tree leaves depends not only on local meteorology but also on climate. Climate, especially air humidity, and meteorology need to be considered when interpreting the magnetic properties of tree leaves as an atmospheric pollution tool.

Keywords: Air pollution; Climate; Environmental magnetism; Metals; Tree leaves.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollution / analysis*
  • Cities*
  • Climate
  • Dust / analysis*
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • Environmental Monitoring / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humidity
  • Magnetics / methods*
  • Metals, Heavy / analysis*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry*
  • Spain

Substances

  • Dust
  • Metals, Heavy