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Presentation
Using Lichen Biomarkers And Microparticles To Investigate Nonpoint Source Pollution in Two Seattle, Washington Neighborhoods
Graduate Student Symposium
  • Gunnar Guddal, Western Washington University
  • Ruth Sofield, Western Washington University
Presentation Type
Poster
Abstract

Lichen monitoring studies use physiological markers and metal accumulation to identify the degree of environmental contamination at a location. These are useful approaches for evaluating impact of a known stressor, but require a thorough understanding of the surveyed location to identify an unknown source. Comparing morphology and composition of airborne particles using a scanning electron microscope is a robust method for determining sources of contamination, but sampling equipment can be cost-prohibitive. This study will use lichen for collecting airborne particles to combine the strength of both methods and create a profile of metal accumulation, physiological endpoints, and particles associated with three point-sources of airborne metals in Seattle. These profiles will be compared to additional lichen from two nearby neighborhoods to estimate the contribution of each source to current air pollution. The profile will be composed of particle type and frequency, accumulation of about 30 metals, malondialdehyde production, chlorophyll degradation, and usnic acid content. In addition, an R script for automating the identification of particles on scanning electron microscope images of the lichen surface will be developed for this and future monitoring studies.

Start Date
6-5-2017 12:15 PM
End Date
6-5-2017 2:00 PM
Genre/Form
posters
Subjects - Topical (LCSH)
Lichens--Washington (State)--Seattle; Pollutants--Washington (State)--Seattle; Biochemical markers--Washington (State)--Seattle; Particles
Geographic Coverage
Seattle (Wash.)
Type
Event
Format
application/pdf
Language
English
Citation Information
Gunnar Guddal and Ruth Sofield. "Using Lichen Biomarkers And Microparticles To Investigate Nonpoint Source Pollution in Two Seattle, Washington Neighborhoods" (2017)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/ruth-sofield/2/