Spatial distribution of PAH concentrations and stable isotope signatures (δ13C, δ15N) in mosses from three European areas – Characterization by multivariate analysis

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) 2014-01, Vol.184, p.113-122
• Main Authors: Foan, L., Leblond, S., Thöni, L., Raynaud, C., Santamaría, J.M., Sebilo, M., Simon, V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air Pollutants - analysis; Air Pollution - statistics & numerical data; Applied sciences; Aromatic compounds; Atmospheric pollution; Biodiversity and Ecology; Biomonitoring; Bryophyta - chemistry; Bryopsida - chemistry; Carbon Isotopes - analysis; Correlation; Ecology, environment; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Sciences; Exact sciences and technology; France; Hypnum cupressiforme; Hypnum cupressiforme moss; Industry; Isotopes; Life Sciences; Metals, Heavy - analysis; Molecular weight; Moss; Multivariate Analysis; N and C stable isotope signatures; Nitrogen Isotopes - analysis; Pollutants physicochemistry study: properties, effects, reactions, transport and distribution; Pollution; Polyallylamine hydrochloride; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons - analysis; Signatures; Spain; Switzerland; Traffic flow
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2013.08.006

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations and N, C stable isotope signatures were determined in mosses Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. from 61 sites of 3 European regions: Île-de-France (France); Navarra (Spain); the Swiss Plateau and Basel area (Switzerland). Total PAH concentrations of 100–700 ng g−1, as well as δ13C values of −32 to −29‰ and δ15N values of −11 to −3‰ were measured. Pearson correlation tests revealed opposite trends between high molecular weight PAH (4–6 aromatic rings) content and δ13C values. Partial Least Square regressions explained the very significant correlations (r > 0.91, p