Biomonitoring Semivolatile Organic Compounds in the Atmosphere using Lichen

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Biomonitoring Semivolatile Organic Compounds in
the Atmosphere using Lichen

• Eli Moore
• Dr. Staci Simonich
• Dept. of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology
• Dept. of Chemistry
• Oregon State University
• 8/31/04

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Why Semivolatile Organic Compounds (SOCs) ?

• A class of organic compounds that can undergo
  volatilization and condensation.
• Can be transported to remote ecosystems (Arctic
  and high elevations)
• Potential health risks

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SOC Examples

• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Retene
Benzoaanthracene
2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6-Decachlorobiphenyl
2,2,4,4-Tetrachlorobiphenyl
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SOC Examples

• Pesticides and Degradation Products

Endosulfan I
Dacthal
DDT
DDE
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Regional and Long Range Transport of SOCs
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High Elevation Lakes
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Lichen

• Passive air samplers.
• Can accumulate air pollutants.
• Letharia vulpina

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Hypothesis

• SOCs are undergoing local and long range
  atmospheric transport and are being deposited on
  vegetation in high elevation lake ecosystems.

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Goals

• Measure a wide range of SOCs in lichen.
• Measure SOCs at low concentrations.
• Identify general locations of SOC sources

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Analytical Method
Collection
Extraction
Water Extraction
Solvent Exchange
Solid Phase Extraction
Analysis GC/MS
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Sample Collection

• Sequoia National Park samples

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Collection Sites

• Site 1 - Emerald Lake Basin
• Mean Elevation 2816 m (9240 ft)
• Site 2 - Wolverton Creek
• Mean Elevation 2451 m (8040 ft)
• Site 3 - Wolverton Creek II
• Mean Elevation 2219 m (7280 ft)

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Results
42 SOCs detected total.
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Future

• Complete analysis of other Sequoia sites.
• Compare Lichens to conifer needles and willow
  bark in Sequoia.
• Help write paper on Sequoia vegetation.
• Analyze samples from other national parks.

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Questions?