ELEMENTAL MERCURY CONTAMINATION SURVEY IN A CHLORALKALI PLANT BY THE USE OF TRANSPLANTED SPANISH MOSS, TILLANDSIA USNEOIDES (L.)

Atmospheric Hg-0 contamination and the potential risk of occupational exposure were evaluated in a chlor-alkali facility by the use of trans planted Tillandsia usneoides. This plant species was selected since it presents some features that makes it useful for air monitoring purpos es. After short-term exposure (15 days), control plants showed a mean concentration of 0.2 mu g Hg.g(-1) whereas Hg values in transplants ra nged from 1 to 10 400 mu g.g(-1) This latter value was observed near a n elemental Hg spillage. Even after exposure to toxic conditions plant metabolism was still operative, allowing the transplant technique to be employed to assess both Hg taken up through the stomata and Hg asso ciated with particles deposited on the biomonitor. (C) 1997 Elsevier S cience B.V.