Biomonitoring of Potentially Toxic Elements in Two Polluted Areas from Lurigancho-Chosica Using the genus Tillandsia latifolia and T. purpurea as Biomonitor.

In the present study, an urban and industrial area were evaluated through a biomonitoring study employing the Tillandsia purpurea and T. latifolia species as a biomonitor. Plants were collected from a non-contaminated area and transplanted and exposed for three months into study areas to determine metal accumulation. Sixteen elements (Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, V, and Zn) were measured using ICP-MS analysis. Datasets were assessed by one-way ANOVA, exposed-to-baseline (EB) ratio, and principal component analysis. Results showed significant differences among study areas for most elements, but no differences were found between species. According to EB ratios, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Sb, V, and Zn showed EB ratios > 1.75 for both Tillandsia species around the industrial area, indicating influence from the Smelter plant. Ba, Sb, and Zn showed EB ratios > .1.75 in the urban area for both plants, indicating the releasing of pollutants from vehicular sources. PCA showed that most elements are derived from vehicular sources, industrial activities, and dust resuspension.