A Study of Air Pollution with Heavy Metals in Athens City and Attica Basin Using Evergreen Trees as Biological Indicators

Numbers of ectoparasitic blow fly (Protocalliphora azurea) larvae (Diptera: Calliphoridae), adult and larval hen fleas, Ceratophyllus gallinae (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae), and other nest-dwelling insects were counted from the nests of the great tit, Parus major, and the pied flycatcher, Ficedula hypoleuca, in southwestern Finland around a factory complex emitting large quantities of sulphuric oxides and heavy metals. Protocalliphora azurea larvae were more frequently found in the nests of P. major than in those of F. hypoleuca. The prevalence of P. azurea larvae tended to be lower in polluted areas. The number of P. azurea larvae correlated positively with nest size and brood size of P. major. This may be caused by difficulties in sanitation of large and crowded nests. The numbers of fleas and their larvae were negatively affected by moisture in the nests. Nests of F. hypoleuca contained more adult fleas in polluted areas. This may indicate reduced resistance of birds exposed to heavy metals, but other possibilities are also discussed. We found a detrimental effect of P. azurea larvae on the growth of P. major nestlings, and an effect of fleas on mortality of F. hypoleuca nestlings, but these effects were not enhanced by air pollution. We conclude that the ectoparasites studied, at densities observed in our study area, are of minor importance in determining the breeding success of these two bird species.

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Effect of Urban Pollutants on Physiological and Biochemical Parameters of Leaves of Hardwood Trees and Shrubs in Urban Green Spaces

Asian Journal of Water Environment and Pollution ◽

10.3233/ajw210012 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 91-98

Author(s):

Sara Ghafari ◽

Behzad Kaviani ◽

Shahram Sedaghathoor ◽

Mohammad Sadegh Allahyari

Keyword(s):

Air Pollution ◽

Electrolyte Leakage ◽

Urban Air Pollution ◽

Biological Indicators ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Green Spaces ◽

Urban Green Spaces ◽

Hardwood Trees ◽

The Impact ◽

Trees And Shrubs

Trees and shrubs of green spaces can tolerate some physiological parameters. They can adapt to climatic conditions, hence, reduce air pollution and can be used as biological indicators in various researches. The present study aimed to explore the impact of urban air pollution on some parameters such as fresh, dry and turgor weight, amounts of chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments, and electrolyte leakage of 18 ornamental tree and shrub species in marginal and downtown parks of Rasht, Iran. The results revealed significant differences in turgor weight, photosynthetic pigments, and chlorophyll a/b ratio, but insignificant differences in electrolyte leakage between the marginal and downtown sites. The results indicated that all quantitative variables of the leaves differed significantly (p ≤ 0.01) among the species, except for fresh weight.

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AIR POLLUTION BY HEAVY METALS FROM PETROCHEMICAL INCINERATORS: MEASUREMENT AND DISPERSION MODELLING

Environmental Engineering and Management Journal ◽

10.30638/eemj.2020.036 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (3) ◽

pp. 379-390

Author(s):

Seyed Mohsen Peyghambarzadeh ◽

Akbar Pirbadali-Somarin

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Air Pollution ◽

Dispersion Modelling

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The Research Progress of Heavy Metals in PM2.5

Advanced Materials Research ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.955-959.1397 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 955-959 ◽

pp. 1397-1404 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Li Na Shi ◽

Xun Xu ◽

Xiao Yan Dou ◽

Xu Dong Zhao

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Air Pollution ◽

Human Health ◽

Human Body ◽

Chemical Form ◽

The Body ◽

Detection Methods ◽

Research Progress ◽

Depth Study

PM2.5 is one of the most important components in air pollution. It is also the focus of the most closely watched at home and abroad. Based on its small size, complex components, and strongenvironmental activity, it can be used as a carrier for chemicals, heavy metals, bacteria, toxins and carcinogens into the body. Then, as a result, it will affect Human Body Health. Heavy metals are important components of PM2.5, and the long-term accumulation of heavy metals in PM2.5 poses a great threat on human health and the environment. This paper reviewed the sources, distribution methods,chemical form, detection methods, disposal way, research progress of heavy metals in PM2.5. As a result, it provided a reference for in-depth study on the future.

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