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Zulema Varela
CRETUS Institute, Department of Functional Biology, Ecology Unit, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15872, A Coruña, Spain

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Review article
Published: 25 August 2020 in Environmental Pollution
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Aquatic pollution is one of the greatest environmental problems, and therefore its control represents one of the major challenges in this century. In recent years, proteomics has emerged as a powerful tool for searching protein biomarkers in the field of pollution biomonitoring. For biomonitoring marine contamination, there is a consensus that bivalves are preferred organisms to assess organic and inorganic pollutants. Thus, the bivalve proteome was intensively studied, particularly the mussel. It is well documented that heavy metal pollution and organic chemicals altered the structural proteins causing degradation of tissues of molluscs. Also, it is well known that proteins involved in stress oxidative such as glutathione and enzymes as catalase, superoxide dismutase or peroxisomes are overexpressed in response to contaminants. Additionally, using bivalves, other groups of proteins proposed as pollution biomarkers are the metabolic proteins. Even though other marine species are used to monitor the pollution, the presence of proteomic tools in these studies is scarce. Concerning freshwater pollution field, a great variety of animal species (fish and crustaceans) are used as biomonitors in proteomics studies compared to plants that are scarcely analysed. In fish species, proteins involved in stress oxidative such as heat shock family or proteins from lipid and carbohydrate metabolism were proposed as candidate biomarkers. On the contrary, for crustaceans there is a lack of proteomic studies individually assessing the contaminants. Novel scenarios, including emerging contaminants and new threats, will require proteomic technology for a systematic search of protein biomarkers and a greater knowledge at molecular level of those cellular pathways induced by contamination.

ACS Style

M. López-Pedrouso; Zulema Varela; D. Franco; J.A. Fernández; J.R. Aboal. Can proteomics contribute to biomonitoring of aquatic pollution? A critical review. Environmental Pollution 2020, 267, 115473 .

AMA Style

M. López-Pedrouso, Zulema Varela, D. Franco, J.A. Fernández, J.R. Aboal. Can proteomics contribute to biomonitoring of aquatic pollution? A critical review. Environmental Pollution. 2020; 267 ():115473.

Chicago/Turabian Style

M. López-Pedrouso; Zulema Varela; D. Franco; J.A. Fernández; J.R. Aboal. 2020. "Can proteomics contribute to biomonitoring of aquatic pollution? A critical review." Environmental Pollution 267, no. : 115473.

Journal article
Published: 26 May 2019 in Urban Science
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Green roofs are important infrastructures to address the effects of climate change in urban areas. However, most studies and applications have been done in cooler and wetter regions of the northern hemisphere. Climate change will lead to more extreme weather events, such as increased drought and decreased precipitation with intense flash rain events. Increase desertification is expected especially in the Mediterranean Basin, where in summer, radiation and temperature are high and water is scarce. Therefore, while vascular plants increase water consumption in green roofs during warmer periods, mosses present themselves as potential candidates due to their poikilohydric nature, responding to the environmental availability of water, completely drying out and recovering upon rehydration. Although criteria for the selection of vascular plants adapted to the Mediterranean and suitable for green roofs have been developed, no information is available regarding the selection of mosses based on scientific criteria. Here we propose selection criteria for moss species based on ecological preferences according to Ellenberg’s values and help to define moss traits suitable for a nonirrigated, nature-based green roof that tolerates the Mediterranean climate. The main result is a table of potential candidate mosses that can be either used as standalone or in conjunction with vascular plants to decrease water usage and/or manage stormwater through an easily applicable selection methodology. For green roof practitioners, we proposed that acrocarpous mosses exhibiting turf/cushion life forms and colonist or perennial life strategies best fit the requirements for such a green infrastructure in extreme climate regions with scarce water resources.

ACS Style

Ricardo Cruz De Carvalho; Zulema Varela; Teresa Afonso Do Paço; Cristina Branquinho. Selecting Potential Moss Species for Green Roofs in the Mediterranean Basin. Urban Science 2019, 3, 57 .

AMA Style

Ricardo Cruz De Carvalho, Zulema Varela, Teresa Afonso Do Paço, Cristina Branquinho. Selecting Potential Moss Species for Green Roofs in the Mediterranean Basin. Urban Science. 2019; 3 (2):57.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ricardo Cruz De Carvalho; Zulema Varela; Teresa Afonso Do Paço; Cristina Branquinho. 2019. "Selecting Potential Moss Species for Green Roofs in the Mediterranean Basin." Urban Science 3, no. 2: 57.

Short communication
Published: 26 April 2019 in Journal of Arid Environments
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Lichens and mosses represent the macroscopic components of biological soil crusts (biocrusts). Their ability to exploit short periods of water availability and reversibly deactivate metabolism is crucial for their growth and survival. In this work we investigated photosynthesis reactivation, respectively after long (65–66 days) and short (15 days) dry periods, in lichen and moss species widespread in two Mediterranean environments (Portugal and Italy). Chlorophyll a fluorescence emission of the samples was investigated and the parameter Fv/Fm, an indicator of vitality of photosynthetic organisms, was used as a proxy for photosynthesis reactivation. The fruticose lichens Cladonia convoluta and C. rangiformis, and the moss Pleurochaete squarrosa, typical of Mediterranean environments, showed a significantly slower reactivation of photosynthetic activity when subjected to a longer period of drought. Conversely, the alien invasive moss Campylopus introflexus was not affected by prolonged dry conditions. The study showed that drought duration influences the reactivation of photosynthetic activity in terricolous lichens and mosses forming biocrusts in re-hydration cycles. These results indicate the likelihood of a reduction in biocrust productivity as a consequence of climate change in Mediterranean drylands.

ACS Style

Silvana Munzi; Zulema Varela; Luca Paoli. Is the length of the drying period critical for photosynthesis reactivation in lichen and moss components of biological soil crusts? Journal of Arid Environments 2019, 166, 86 -90.

AMA Style

Silvana Munzi, Zulema Varela, Luca Paoli. Is the length of the drying period critical for photosynthesis reactivation in lichen and moss components of biological soil crusts? Journal of Arid Environments. 2019; 166 ():86-90.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Silvana Munzi; Zulema Varela; Luca Paoli. 2019. "Is the length of the drying period critical for photosynthesis reactivation in lichen and moss components of biological soil crusts?" Journal of Arid Environments 166, no. : 86-90.

Journal article
Published: 15 January 2019 in Water
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One of the main factors limiting active biomonitoring with aquatic mosses is the lack of sufficient material. A laboratory culture of the moss would solve this problem and thus convert the technique into a valuable biotechnological tool for monitoring water quality. With this aim, we first established small and large scale axenic in vitro culture systems for the aquatic moss Fontinalis Antipyretica. We then attempted to enhance the growth rate of the cultures by modifying temperature, photoperiod and medium composition (N:P ratio, P concentration, CO2 supply, NH4NO3 supply and sucrose supply). None of these modifications greatly increased the in vitro growth rate. However, the growth rates were sufficiently high (relative to the initial weight of the cultures) in both systems (45 and 6 mg·day−1·g−1· for flasks and bioreactors respectively) to enable the production of large amounts of material. The ability to culture the material will substantially improve the applicability of the moss bag technique.

ACS Style

Sofía Debén; Jesús Ramón Aboal; Pablo Giráldez; Zulema Varela; Jose Ángel Fernández. Developing a Biotechnological Tool for Monitoring Water Quality: In vitro Clone Culture of the Aquatic Moss Fontinalis Antipyretica. Water 2019, 11, 145 .

AMA Style

Sofía Debén, Jesús Ramón Aboal, Pablo Giráldez, Zulema Varela, Jose Ángel Fernández. Developing a Biotechnological Tool for Monitoring Water Quality: In vitro Clone Culture of the Aquatic Moss Fontinalis Antipyretica. Water. 2019; 11 (1):145.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sofía Debén; Jesús Ramón Aboal; Pablo Giráldez; Zulema Varela; Jose Ángel Fernández. 2019. "Developing a Biotechnological Tool for Monitoring Water Quality: In vitro Clone Culture of the Aquatic Moss Fontinalis Antipyretica." Water 11, no. 1: 145.

Journal article
Published: 19 July 2018 in Atmosphere
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Plants possess a wide range of cellular mechanisms that help them tolerate potentially toxic substances. Several studies that were carried out under laboratory conditions have demonstrated that the antioxidant compound glutathione plays a role in enabling mosses to tolerate high levels of heavy metals without toxic effects. However, until now, the antioxidant levels have not been studied in mosses under field conditions. In this study, we aimed to clarify the antioxidant concentrations of glutathione in the terrestrial moss Pseudoscleropodium purum growing in industrial environments characterised by high atmospheric levels of Cd, Ni, and Pb, and to evaluate the potential use of the compound as a biomarker. The results indicated the existence of a glutathione threshold response, which was significantly correlated with the metal toxicity and which may be influenced by metal bioavailability. Although future studies are needed to strengthen the findings, the present study suggests that total concentration of glutathione in P. purum could therefore be used as a biomarker in air pollution biomonitoring studies, provided that metal bioavailability is taken into account.

ACS Style

Zulema Varela; Sofía Debén; Dinesh K. Saxena; Jesús R. Aboal; J. Ángel Fernández. Levels of Antioxidant Compound Glutathione in Moss from Industrial Areas. Atmosphere 2018, 9, 284 .

AMA Style

Zulema Varela, Sofía Debén, Dinesh K. Saxena, Jesús R. Aboal, J. Ángel Fernández. Levels of Antioxidant Compound Glutathione in Moss from Industrial Areas. Atmosphere. 2018; 9 (7):284.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zulema Varela; Sofía Debén; Dinesh K. Saxena; Jesús R. Aboal; J. Ángel Fernández. 2018. "Levels of Antioxidant Compound Glutathione in Moss from Industrial Areas." Atmosphere 9, no. 7: 284.

Journal article
Published: 13 April 2018 in Ecological Indicators
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Chileans living in urban areas are exposed to several air pollutants, namely to a mean annual concentration of atmospheric PM2.5 (>40 µg m−3 year−1) that exceeds two times the level established by legislation in both Chile and the European Union and four times higher than the recommended by the World Health Organization for good air quality. The evaluation of air pollution, namely particulate pollution, in urban areas is performed by air quality monitoring stations. These, are not sufficiently distributed in space to cover all areas with high spatial resolution, needed for a good assessment of the exact human exposure. In this context, lichen diversity studies could fill the gap of increasing air quality spatial resolution in areas not covered by monitoring stations. We aim at using taxonomic (species richness and abundance) and trait-based epiphytic lichen diversity (growth form) to evaluate the impact of air pollution levels in Chilean urban environments. For that, lichen diversity was evaluated in three background areas, seven centres of various Chilean cities and their peri-urban zones. Though trait-based metrics responded negatively to air pollution, lichen abundance was the best metrics (index of lichen diversity), being negatively associated (r = −0.89; p < 0.001) with the number of days per year that particles exceeded the mean annual level established by legislation (>20 µg m−3 year−1). This suggested that the main source of changes in lichen diversity in urban areas of Chile is particulate material or other associated pollutants. These findings show that in high levels of pollution, total lichen diversity can be used to track particulate material pollution above the recommended levels, providing data for areas without monitoring stations. This information can then be used to select new areas for monitoring stations, or to evaluate the potential health effects of the population living in these areas.

ACS Style

Z. Varela; G. Lopez-Sanchez; M. Yáñez; C. Pérez; J.A. Fernández; P. Matos; Cristina Branquinho; J.R. Aboal. Changes in epiphytic lichen diversity are associated with air particulate matter levels: The case study of urban areas in Chile. Ecological Indicators 2018, 91, 307 -314.

AMA Style

Z. Varela, G. Lopez-Sanchez, M. Yáñez, C. Pérez, J.A. Fernández, P. Matos, Cristina Branquinho, J.R. Aboal. Changes in epiphytic lichen diversity are associated with air particulate matter levels: The case study of urban areas in Chile. Ecological Indicators. 2018; 91 ():307-314.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Z. Varela; G. Lopez-Sanchez; M. Yáñez; C. Pérez; J.A. Fernández; P. Matos; Cristina Branquinho; J.R. Aboal. 2018. "Changes in epiphytic lichen diversity are associated with air particulate matter levels: The case study of urban areas in Chile." Ecological Indicators 91, no. : 307-314.

Article
Published: 19 December 2016 in Ecotoxicology
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Temporal trends in Hg concentrations were investigated in primary flight feathers from 319 specimens of three birds of prey: P7 in the northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), P6 in the common buzzard (Buteo buteo) and P5 in the tawny owl (Strix aluco). The samples were stored in a regional environmental specimen bank and belonged to specimens which died between 2000 and 2013 in Galicia (NW Spain). We would expect to see a decline in Hg concentrations across the study period, as data of atmospheric emissions show a gradual reduction of this pollutant in Europe in the last two decades. The study did not reveal any temporal pattern in Hg concentrations of feathers in any of the three species for the study period, may be due to the persistence of Hg in the environment, but showed a low level of contamination by this metal in the study area. In addition, the results show high intra-specific, as well as, inter-annual and inter-specific variability in data, mainly attributed to the level of exposure of the raptors to this pollutant and to the biomagnification process of Hg through food chains. These findings indicate that the high variability can be a limiting factor in the use of raptors for biomonitoring temporal patterns of Hg, but nevertheless, the technique provides qualitative information about the amount of Hg that reach the top of the terrestrial food chains.

ACS Style

Rita García-Seoane; Zulema Varela; Alejo Carballeira; Jesús R. Aboal; J. Ángel Fernández. Temporal trends in mercury concentrations in raptor flight feathers stored in an environmental specimen bank in Galicia (NW Spain) between 2000 and 2013. Ecotoxicology 2016, 26, 196 -201.

AMA Style

Rita García-Seoane, Zulema Varela, Alejo Carballeira, Jesús R. Aboal, J. Ángel Fernández. Temporal trends in mercury concentrations in raptor flight feathers stored in an environmental specimen bank in Galicia (NW Spain) between 2000 and 2013. Ecotoxicology. 2016; 26 (2):196-201.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Rita García-Seoane; Zulema Varela; Alejo Carballeira; Jesús R. Aboal; J. Ángel Fernández. 2016. "Temporal trends in mercury concentrations in raptor flight feathers stored in an environmental specimen bank in Galicia (NW Spain) between 2000 and 2013." Ecotoxicology 26, no. 2: 196-201.

Journal article
Published: 01 December 2016 in Ecological Indicators
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This work aimed to define the molecular and chemical signature of a S. palustre clone developed in the framework of the EU-FP7 Mossclone project to improve the standardization and reliability of the moss-bag technique. The molecular characterization was performed by a set of DNA molecular markers (RAPD, ISJ, PCR-RFLP, sequencing and microsatellites) to tag the clone produced within the project. Molecular characterization also provided new DNA markers that can be applied in systematic analyses of Sphagnum, and gave new insights to implement well established techniques. The elemental composition of the clone was measured by ICP-MS analysis of 54 major and trace elements, with and without commonly applied pre-exposure treatments (oven devitalization and EDTA washing). Concentrations of almost all analyzed elements were significantly lower (from 10 to 100 times) in the clone than in conspecific field moss, apart from some elements (K, Mo, P and Na) deriving from the culture medium or EDTA treatment. Oven devitalization and EDTA washing did not significantly affect the clone composition. A comparison between the elemental composition of the clone with that of naturally growing Sphagnum species proved the particularly low elemental content of the clone. Therefore, in view of a rigorously standardized moss-bag protocol for the monitoring of persistent atmospheric pollutants, the use of the S. palustre clone, a biomaterial with very low and constant element composition, and homogenous morphological characteristics is strongly recommended.

ACS Style

A. Di Palma; D. Crespo Pardo; V. Spagnuolo; Paola Adamo; R. Bargagli; D. Cafasso; Fiore Capozzi; Jesús Aboal; Aridane G. González; O. Pokrovsky; A.K. Beike; R. Reski; M. Tretiach; Zulema Varela; Simonetta Giordano. Molecular and chemical characterization of a Sphagnum palustre clone: Key steps towards a standardized and sustainable moss bag technique. Ecological Indicators 2016, 71, 388 -397.

AMA Style

A. Di Palma, D. Crespo Pardo, V. Spagnuolo, Paola Adamo, R. Bargagli, D. Cafasso, Fiore Capozzi, Jesús Aboal, Aridane G. González, O. Pokrovsky, A.K. Beike, R. Reski, M. Tretiach, Zulema Varela, Simonetta Giordano. Molecular and chemical characterization of a Sphagnum palustre clone: Key steps towards a standardized and sustainable moss bag technique. Ecological Indicators. 2016; 71 ():388-397.

Chicago/Turabian Style

A. Di Palma; D. Crespo Pardo; V. Spagnuolo; Paola Adamo; R. Bargagli; D. Cafasso; Fiore Capozzi; Jesús Aboal; Aridane G. González; O. Pokrovsky; A.K. Beike; R. Reski; M. Tretiach; Zulema Varela; Simonetta Giordano. 2016. "Molecular and chemical characterization of a Sphagnum palustre clone: Key steps towards a standardized and sustainable moss bag technique." Ecological Indicators 71, no. : 388-397.

Journal article
Published: 01 August 2016 in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
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Temporal trends in Hg concentrations were determined in the primary flight feathers of 146 specimens of Strix aluco which had died in various Wildlife Recovery Centres in Galicia (NW Spain) between 1997 and 2014. The aim of the study was to determine whether standardization of a primary flight feather (or feathers) in this species is essential for identifying temporal trends in Hg concentrations. For this purpose, we had to first standardize the feather(s) analyzed to enable comparison of the levels of Hg detected in different feathers. The results show a high degree of both inter and intra-individual variability but despite that, it was possible to identify P5 as the most representative feather taking into account the amount of metal excreted in each feather and the intra-individual variability: its median was 133ng, which represents 15% (from 7% to 15%) of the total Hg present in all the primary feathers. However, this "standard feather" did not reveal any temporal trend in Hg concentrations for the study period. This lack of trend was found irrespective of the feather considered and it is expected that detection of any existing trend would also not depend on the feather considered. We conclude that use of any particular feather is not essential for identifying temporal trends in Hg concentrations, because the pattern will be identified regardless of the feather selected.

ACS Style

Zulema Varela; Rita García Seoane; J. Ángel Fernández; A. Carballeira; J.R. Aboal. Study of temporal trends in mercury concentrations in the primary flight feathers of Strix aluco. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2016, 130, 199 -206.

AMA Style

Zulema Varela, Rita García Seoane, J. Ángel Fernández, A. Carballeira, J.R. Aboal. Study of temporal trends in mercury concentrations in the primary flight feathers of Strix aluco. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 2016; 130 ():199-206.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zulema Varela; Rita García Seoane; J. Ángel Fernández; A. Carballeira; J.R. Aboal. 2016. "Study of temporal trends in mercury concentrations in the primary flight feathers of Strix aluco." Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 130, no. : 199-206.

Journal article
Published: 22 April 2016 in Environmental Pollution
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To develop an internationally standardized protocol for the moss bag technique application, the research team participating in the FP7 European project “MOSSclone” focused on the optimization of the moss bags exposure in terms of bag characteristics (shape of the bags, mesh size, weight/surface ratio), duration and height of exposure by comparing traditional moss bags to a new concept bag, “Mossphere”. In particular, the effects of each variable on the metal uptake from the air were evaluated by a systematic experimental design carried out in urban, industrial, agricultural and background areas of three European countries with oceanic, Mediterranean and continental climate. The results evidenced that the shape, the mesh size of the bags and the exposure height (in the tested ranges), did not significantly influence the uptake capacity of the transplanted moss. The aspects more affecting the element uptake were represented by the density of the moss inside the bags and the relative ratio between its weight and the surface area of the bag. We found that, the lower the density, the higher the uptake recorded. Moreover, three weeks of exposure were not enough to have a consistent uptake signal in all the environments tested, thus we suggest an exposure period not shorter than 6 weeks, which is appropriate in most situations. The above results were confirmed in all the countries and scenarios tested. The adoption of a shared exposure protocol by the research community is strongly recommended since it is a key aspect to make biomonitoring surveys directly comparable, also in view of its recognition as a monitoring method by the EU legislation.

ACS Style

Fiore Capozzi; S. Giordano; Jesús Aboal; Paola Adamo; R. Bargagli; T. Boquete; A. Di Palma; Carlos Real; R. Reski; V. Spagnuolo; Klaus Steinbauer; M. Tretiach; Zulema Varela; H. Zechmeister; J.A. Fernández. Best options for the exposure of traditional and innovative moss bags: A systematic evaluation in three European countries. Environmental Pollution 2016, 214, 362 -373.

AMA Style

Fiore Capozzi, S. Giordano, Jesús Aboal, Paola Adamo, R. Bargagli, T. Boquete, A. Di Palma, Carlos Real, R. Reski, V. Spagnuolo, Klaus Steinbauer, M. Tretiach, Zulema Varela, H. Zechmeister, J.A. Fernández. Best options for the exposure of traditional and innovative moss bags: A systematic evaluation in three European countries. Environmental Pollution. 2016; 214 ():362-373.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Fiore Capozzi; S. Giordano; Jesús Aboal; Paola Adamo; R. Bargagli; T. Boquete; A. Di Palma; Carlos Real; R. Reski; V. Spagnuolo; Klaus Steinbauer; M. Tretiach; Zulema Varela; H. Zechmeister; J.A. Fernández. 2016. "Best options for the exposure of traditional and innovative moss bags: A systematic evaluation in three European countries." Environmental Pollution 214, no. : 362-373.

Journal article
Published: 31 March 2016 in Environmental Pollution
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We investigated whether three different types of moss transplants (devitalized moss bags with and without cover and auto-irrigated moss transplants) are suitable for use as biomonitors of the deposition of oxidised and/or reduced forms of N. For this purpose, we determined whether the concentration of atmospheric NO2 was related to the % N, δ15N and the activity of the enzyme biomarkers phosphomonoesterase (PME) and nitrate reductase (NR) in the tissues of moss transplants. We exposed the transplants in 5 different environments of Galicia (NW Spain) and Cataluña (NE Spain): industrial environments, urban and periurban environments, the surroundings of a cattle farm and in a monitoring site included in the sampling network of the European Monitoring Programme. The results showed that the moss in the auto-irrigated transplants was able of incorporating the N in its tissues because it was metabolically active, whereas in devitalized moss bags transplants, moss simply intercepts physically the N compounds that reached it in particulate or gaseous form. In addition, this devitalization could limit the capacity of moss to capture gaseous compounds (i.e. reduced N) and to reduce the oxidised compounds that reach the specimens. These findings indicate that devitalized moss transplants cannot be used to monitor either oxidised or reduced N compounds, whereas transplants of metabolically active moss can be used for this purpose. Finally, the NR and PME biomarkers should be used with caution because of the high variability in their activities and the limits of quantification should be evaluated in each case.

ACS Style

Z. Varela; Rita García Seoane; María Arróniz-Crespo; A. Carballeira; J.A. Fernández; Jesús Aboal. Evaluation of the use of moss transplants (Pseudoscleropodium purum) for biomonitoring different forms of air pollutant nitrogen compounds. Environmental Pollution 2016, 213, 841 -849.

AMA Style

Z. Varela, Rita García Seoane, María Arróniz-Crespo, A. Carballeira, J.A. Fernández, Jesús Aboal. Evaluation of the use of moss transplants (Pseudoscleropodium purum) for biomonitoring different forms of air pollutant nitrogen compounds. Environmental Pollution. 2016; 213 ():841-849.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Z. Varela; Rita García Seoane; María Arróniz-Crespo; A. Carballeira; J.A. Fernández; Jesús Aboal. 2016. "Evaluation of the use of moss transplants (Pseudoscleropodium purum) for biomonitoring different forms of air pollutant nitrogen compounds." Environmental Pollution 213, no. : 841-849.

Journal article
Published: 30 May 2015 in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
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Active biomonitoring with terrestrial mosses can be used to complement traditional air pollution monitoring techniques. Several studies have been carried out to compare the uptake capacity of different types of moss transplants. However, until now the relationship between the uptake of elements in devitalized moss bags and in irrigated transplants has not been explored. In this study, the final concentrations of Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn were determined in irrigated and devitalized moss transplants in the surroundings of a steelworks. The concentrations were also compared with those of the same elements in the bulk deposition to determine which type of moss transplant yields the closest correlations. Devitalized moss retained higher concentrations of all of the elements (except Hg) than the irrigated moss. Both irrigated and devitalized moss transplants appear to detect the same type of contamination (i.e. particulate matter and dissolved metals rather than gaseous forms) as significant correlations were found for Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn, whereas, neither type of the moss transplant was sensitive enough to detect changes in the soluble fraction load of bulk deposition. Further studies will be needed to a better understanding of the correlation between the concentrations of elements in moss transplants with the particulate fraction of the bulk deposition. This will enable the establishment of a more robust and accurate biomonitoring tool.

ACS Style

Angela Ares; Z. Varela; Jesús Aboal; A. Carballeira; J.A. Fernández. Active biomonitoring with the moss Pseudoscleropodium purum: Comparison between different types of transplants and bulk deposition. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2015, 120, 74 -79.

AMA Style

Angela Ares, Z. Varela, Jesús Aboal, A. Carballeira, J.A. Fernández. Active biomonitoring with the moss Pseudoscleropodium purum: Comparison between different types of transplants and bulk deposition. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 2015; 120 ():74-79.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Angela Ares; Z. Varela; Jesús Aboal; A. Carballeira; J.A. Fernández. 2015. "Active biomonitoring with the moss Pseudoscleropodium purum: Comparison between different types of transplants and bulk deposition." Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 120, no. : 74-79.

Journal article
Published: 27 November 2014 in Atmospheric Environment
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Bryophytes are commonly used as biomonitors to estimate the atmospheric deposition of heavy metals and metalloids. However, the tissue concentrations of these elements in moss do not always accurately reflect atmospheric levels. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether element uptake in moss is affected by the physicochemical characteristics of the elements. Factor analysis was used to identify any patterns of covariance in the accumulation of elements in samples of the moss Pseudoscleropodium purum collected from the surroundings of different factories and from control sites. The variation in the concentrations of elements was similar in moss from both types of sites and was related to the binding properties of the elements. This suggests that the physicochemical characteristics of the elements determine the uptake of metals and metalloids from the atmosphere. Therefore, in studies that use multiple correlations among elements as indicators of a common origin of contaminants, erroneous conclusions may be reached by overlooking the adsorption properties of the moss.

ACS Style

Z. Varela; J.A. Fernández; Carlos Real; A. Carballeira; Jesús Aboal. Influence of the physicochemical characteristics of pollutants on their uptake in moss. Atmospheric Environment 2014, 102, 130 -135.

AMA Style

Z. Varela, J.A. Fernández, Carlos Real, A. Carballeira, Jesús Aboal. Influence of the physicochemical characteristics of pollutants on their uptake in moss. Atmospheric Environment. 2014; 102 ():130-135.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Z. Varela; J.A. Fernández; Carlos Real; A. Carballeira; Jesús Aboal. 2014. "Influence of the physicochemical characteristics of pollutants on their uptake in moss." Atmospheric Environment 102, no. : 130-135.

Journal article
Published: 02 May 2014 in Journal of Hazardous Materials
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We used a method of detecting small-scale pollution sources (DSSP) that involves measurement of the concentrations of elements in moss tissues, with the following aims: (i) to determine any common qualitative patterns of contaminant emissions for individual industrial sectors, (ii) to compare any such patterns with previously described patterns, and (iii) to compile an inventory of the metals and metalloids emitted by the industries considered. Cluster analysis revealed that there were no common patterns of emission associated with the industrial sectors, probably because of differences in production processes and in the types of fuel and raw materials. However, when these variables were shared by different factories, the concentrations of the elements in moss tissues enabled the factories to be grouped according to their emissions. We compiled a list of the metals and metalloids emitted by the factories under study and found that the DSSP method was satisfactory for this purpose in most cases (53 of 56). The method appears to be a useful tool for compiling contaminant inventories; it may also be useful for determining the efficacy of technical improvements aimed at reducing the industrial emission of contaminants and could be incorporated in environmental monitoring and control programmes.

ACS Style

Z. Varela; Jesús Aboal; A. Carballeira; Carlos Real; J.A. Fernández. Use of a moss biomonitoring method to compile emission inventories for small-scale industries. Journal of Hazardous Materials 2014, 275, 72 -78.

AMA Style

Z. Varela, Jesús Aboal, A. Carballeira, Carlos Real, J.A. Fernández. Use of a moss biomonitoring method to compile emission inventories for small-scale industries. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2014; 275 ():72-78.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Z. Varela; Jesús Aboal; A. Carballeira; Carlos Real; J.A. Fernández. 2014. "Use of a moss biomonitoring method to compile emission inventories for small-scale industries." Journal of Hazardous Materials 275, no. : 72-78.

Journal article
Published: 22 September 2013 in Water, Air, & Soil Pollution
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Terrestrial mosses are used as biomonitors to assess atmospheric pollution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chemical contaminants on the physiological responses of mosses. For this purpose, we transplanted clean moss samples to five sampling sites at different distances from a steelworks factory, for different lengths of time (four periods of 1 month, two periods of 2 months and one period of 4 months). At each sampling site, we collected bulk deposition samples, and we also measured the concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Ni, Pb, V and Zn in the moss tissues and determined the chlorophyll content (CHL) index, Fv/Fm ratio and moss growth rate, with the following aims: (a) to determine the relationships between the concentrations of elements in bulk deposition and moss samples, physiological traits and growth of the mosses; and (b) to determine whether such relationships are affected by the duration of exposure and level of contamination. Although we did not identify any such relationships, the CHL index and growth rate were both lowest at high concentrations of metals and metalloids in the moss tissues, which suggest the existence of a threshold type of response for both variables.

ACS Style

Zulema Varela; Sergio Roiloa; J. A. Fernández; Rubén Retuerto; A. Carballeira; Jesús Aboal. Physiological and Growth Responses of Transplants of the Moss Pseudoscleropodium purum to Atmospheric Pollutants. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 2013, 224, 1 -10.

AMA Style

Zulema Varela, Sergio Roiloa, J. A. Fernández, Rubén Retuerto, A. Carballeira, Jesús Aboal. Physiological and Growth Responses of Transplants of the Moss Pseudoscleropodium purum to Atmospheric Pollutants. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution. 2013; 224 (10):1-10.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zulema Varela; Sergio Roiloa; J. A. Fernández; Rubén Retuerto; A. Carballeira; Jesús Aboal. 2013. "Physiological and Growth Responses of Transplants of the Moss Pseudoscleropodium purum to Atmospheric Pollutants." Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 224, no. 10: 1-10.

Evaluation study
Published: 03 July 2013 in Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
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We studied the spatiotemporal variation of the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) and the chlorophyll content index (CHL index) in a terrestrial moss, using self-watering transplants distributed in 8 sampling sites that were sampled periodically during up to 4 years. We did not detect any seasonal patterns or difference between the studied sites, and therefore the variation across the sites reflected the influence of environmental variables in the area. We established the reference thresholds associated with physiological stress as −0.212 for PRI and 1.195 for CHL index. Our findings could be applied for biomonitoring atmospheric contamination on the basis of the physiological stress shown by the moss used.

ACS Style

Z. Varela; Jesús Aboal; A. Rey-Asensio; A. Carballeira; J. A. Fernández. Establishing Reference Values of Spectral Reflectance Indices in Transplants of Pseudoscleropodium purum for Potential Use in Atmospheric Biomonitoring. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 2013, 91, 345 -348.

AMA Style

Z. Varela, Jesús Aboal, A. Rey-Asensio, A. Carballeira, J. A. Fernández. Establishing Reference Values of Spectral Reflectance Indices in Transplants of Pseudoscleropodium purum for Potential Use in Atmospheric Biomonitoring. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 2013; 91 (3):345-348.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Z. Varela; Jesús Aboal; A. Rey-Asensio; A. Carballeira; J. A. Fernández. 2013. "Establishing Reference Values of Spectral Reflectance Indices in Transplants of Pseudoscleropodium purum for Potential Use in Atmospheric Biomonitoring." Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 91, no. 3: 345-348.

Journal article
Published: 06 January 2013 in Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
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In this study, we investigated whether the terrestrial moss Pseudoscleropodium purum can be used to biomonitor atmospheric deposition of nitrogen (N). For this purpose, we first determined whether there are any interspecific differences in the concentrations of total N and δ15N between the two species of terrestrial moss most commonly used in biomonitoring studies, P. purum and Hypnum cupressiforme. Second, we determined the spatial distribution of N and δ15N at small and large scales: (1) by analysis of 165 samples from the surroundings of an aluminium smelter and (2) by analysis of 149 samples from sites forming part of a regular 15 × 15–km sampling network in Galicia (northwest Spain). We did not find any interspecific differences in either total N or δ15N. Analysis of δ15N enabled us to identify large-scale spatial patterns of distribution that were congruent with the location of the main N emission sources (unlike the analysis of total N). However, we did not identify any such patterns for the small-scale source of N emission studied. The results show that analysis of δ15N has an advantage compared with the analysis of total N in that it provides information about the source of N rather than about the amount of N received. Furthermore, isotope discrimination appears to occur, with the bryophytes preferentially accumulating the N14 isotope. Although this amplifies the signal of reduced forms, it is not problematical for determining spatial-distribution patterns.

ACS Style

Z. Varela; A. Carballeira; J. A. Fernández; Jesús Aboal. On the Use of Epigaeic Mosses to Biomonitor Atmospheric Deposition of Nitrogen. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 2013, 64, 562 -572.

AMA Style

Z. Varela, A. Carballeira, J. A. Fernández, Jesús Aboal. On the Use of Epigaeic Mosses to Biomonitor Atmospheric Deposition of Nitrogen. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 2013; 64 (4):562-572.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Z. Varela; A. Carballeira; J. A. Fernández; Jesús Aboal. 2013. "On the Use of Epigaeic Mosses to Biomonitor Atmospheric Deposition of Nitrogen." Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 64, no. 4: 562-572.

Journal article
Published: 18 January 2010 in Journal of Atmospheric Chemistry
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The aim of the present study was to determine the optimal size of the sampling area that should be used in the moss biomonitoring technique, in relation to the spatial variation in the concentrations of contaminants determined in samples collected within short distances (16 m. The proposed method must be applied to other species and in other regions, in order to standardize the size of the sampling sites in the moss biomonitoring technique.

ACS Style

Zulema Varela; J. A. Fernández; Jesús Aboal; Carlos Real; A. Carballeira. Determination of the optimal size of area to be sampled by use of the moss biomonitoring technique. Journal of Atmospheric Chemistry 2010, 65, 37 -48.

AMA Style

Zulema Varela, J. A. Fernández, Jesús Aboal, Carlos Real, A. Carballeira. Determination of the optimal size of area to be sampled by use of the moss biomonitoring technique. Journal of Atmospheric Chemistry. 2010; 65 (1):37-48.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zulema Varela; J. A. Fernández; Jesús Aboal; Carlos Real; A. Carballeira. 2010. "Determination of the optimal size of area to be sampled by use of the moss biomonitoring technique." Journal of Atmospheric Chemistry 65, no. 1: 37-48.