Caracterização do potencial bioindicador de bromélias epífitas Tillandsia spp. em áreas urbanizadas do município de Céu Azul, PR

Abstract

Environmental pollution has been causing the most diverse imbalances in the ecosystems. Plants, notably epiphytes, have been used as bioindicators for the air quality, because of their ability and uniqueness of absorption of nutrients from the atmosphere directly. In this context, this study provides a pilot project of biomonitoring of air pollution by metals (Fe, Zn, Cu and Pb) at an urban area located in the city of Céu Azul, PR, Brazil, using bromeliads species, Tillandsia recurvata and Tillandsia tricholepis, as passive biomonitors for the air conditions. Eight sampling sites were selected, related to possible emitting sources. All the samples were collected using manual techniques in April 2018, and the determinations of metals were made in an atomic absorption spectrometer. T. recurvata could be considered a biointegrative example while T. tricholepis was considered as a bioindicator. The results for copper and lead indicated that this metals stood out in points 2, 5, 6 and 7; points with greater urban and vehicular intensity. For iron it was possible to emphasize point 3 as a good contaminant indicator for T. recurvata, and 4, for T. tricholepis, while for zinc the point 7 was the highlight point, for both species.