Accumulation of heavy metals in epiphytic lichens near a municipal solid waste incinerator (Central Italy)

The epiphytic lichen Parmelia caperata was used as biomonitor in the area of a municipal solid waste incinerator (Poggibonsi, central Italy) to investigate the levels and the spatial distribution of the heavy metals Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb and Zn. Levels of Al, Cu and Hg were similar to those in unpolluted areas, whereas high values were found for Cr, Zn and especially Cd. The distribution pattern of the last three metals and the exponential relationship of their concentrations with distance from the incinerator, showed that the disposal plant is a local source of atmospheric pollution due to Cd, Cr and Zn. For these metals, long-term hazard should be seriously taken into account.