Using statistical methods for biomonitoring of urban air quality (a case study from Blagoveshchensk, Amur region)

The atmospheric deposition of Sc, Cr, Fe, Co, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Sb, Ba, Hf, Hg, Th, and U in Blagoveshchensk (Amur region) was examined using balsam poplar leaves (P. balsamifera L.) as a straightforward biogeochemical indicator. The unwashed, dried leaf samples were ashed. The amounts of elements in the resulting ash were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Hg was quantified from the dry biomass by atomic absorption spectrometry. The local background and abnormal levels of all elements in the poplar leaves were identified using Q-Q plots and statistical methods. From the results obtained, it is evident that mineral dust is the main source of air pollution in Blagoveshchensk by litho- and siderophiles.