Absorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by Pinus bark: analytical method and use for environmental pollution monitoring in the Palermo area (Sicily, Italy)

Environ Res. 2008 Jul;107(3):371-9. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2008.02.010. Epub 2008 Apr 15.

Abstract

In the light of using biomaterial as pollutants sorbents for the environmental biomonitoring, we report here the results of the absorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by pine bark. Quantitative analysis of 19 different polycyclic aromatic compounds was performed, after Soxhlet extraction in dichloromethane, by means GC-MS technique. Pinus was chosen due to its wide distribution in the Mediterranean area. The passive absorption of PAH by pine bark in the metropolitan areas allowed us to evaluate the air quality of Palermo. The obtained results showed a very high range of PAHs concentrations, from 33 microg/kg (bark dry weight), as SigmaPAHs, at the control site to 1015 microg/kg along a road with high traffic flow.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absorption
  • Air Pollutants / analysis*
  • Cities
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Pinus / growth & development*
  • Plant Bark / growth & development
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / analysis*
  • Sicily
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons