Lichen and moss bags as monitoring devices in urban areas. Part I: influence of exposure on sample vitality.

Samples of the lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf and the moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. were exposed for 6 weeks in nylon bags in two air pollution monitoring stations in Trieste and Naples (Italy) with different climates and pollution loads to evaluate influence of environmental conditions on sample vitality. This was assessed before and after exposure by transmission electron microscopy observations, K cellular location, and measurements of C, N, S and photosynthetic pigments content, CO2 gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence. Almost all data sets indicate that exposures caused some damage to the species, considerably heavier in the moss, especially in Naples. The two cryptogams differed significantly in accumulation and retention of C, N, and S, the lichen clearly reflecting NO2 availability. The difference in vitality loss was related to the different ecophysiology of the species, because concentrations of phytotoxic pollutants were low during exposure. Critical notes on the analytical techniques are also given.

Lead in human blood from children living in Campania, Italy.

Blood lead (PbB) levels were determined in children living in Campania (in Naples and in a rural zone in the district of Caserta). Atmospheric lead (PbA) concentration in these considered areas was monitored for 1 yr (1993-1994). The children tested were questioned about common sources of lead, other than atmospheric, relating to their living and dietary habits. The PbB levels in children living in Naples were, at the 50th percentile, 13.8 micrograms/dl in males and 13.7 micrograms/dl in females; in children living in the rural area the median PbB levels were 8.9 micrograms/dl in males and and 8.8 micrograms/dl in females. The annual mean values of atmospheric lead were 1.15 +/- 0.24 micrograms/m3 in Naples and 0.23 +/- 0.07 micrograms/m3 in the rural area. Significant and congruent mean differences between urban and rural sites were found in children's blood and concurrent air lead. Considering the PbB level of 10 micrograms/dl as the maximum level that is not associated any known adverse effect in children, the Neapolitan group can be considered at risk of chronic intoxication by lead.