Mercury in lichens of Nahuel Huapi National Park, Patagonia, Argentina

• Published in: Journal of radioanalytical and nuclear chemistry Vol. 261; no. 3; pp. 679 - 687
• Main Authors: Ribeiro Guevara, S., Bubach, D., Arribére, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2004
• Subjects: Usnea; Argentina, Neuquen, Nahuel Huapi Natl. Park
• ISSN: 0236-5731
• DOI: 10.1023/B:JRNC.0000037113.24485.47

Mercury and other elements of interest are determined inlichens collected in Nahuel Huapi National Park, Northern Patagonia, Argentina. Pooled samples are analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Mercury contents in Usnea sp. collected from undisturbed sites range from 0.0558 plus or minus 0.0083 to 1.38 plus or minus 0.18 mu g super(.)g super(-1). Other potential pollutants are identified by the analysis of Usnea sp. samples, namely Sb, As, Br, Zn, and Se. Previous experiments with foliose and fruticose lichens are also discussed. The analysis of mercury contents of foliose lichens sampled from urban and periurban sites of Bariloche city, and from undisturbed regions, demonstrate that the atmosphere of Bariloche city is enriched in mercury compared to the surroundings. The result is confirmed by transplantation experiments from undisturbed zones to urban sites.