ACCUMULATION OF TRACE-METALS IN THE LICHEN EVERNIA-PRUNASTRI TRANSPLANTED AT BIOMONITORING SITES IN CENTRAL ITALY

Samples of the epiphytic lichen Evernia prunastri collected in an unpo lluted area were transplanted to the urban environment of Teramo (cent ral Italy). The influence of the transplant process on trace element c ontent was found to be negligible and after only two months, concentra tions of all elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn) were significantly high er than in control samples. It is suggested that motor traffic was the main source of atmospheric Cr, Cu, and Pb, while for Cd and Zn additi onal sources from phosphate fertilizers and pesticides used in the sur rounding farmlands are hypothesized. The possible uptake and accumulat ion processes of these metals in I elation to time of exposure are dis cussed.