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Ricinus communis as an Element Biomonitor of Atmospheric Pollution in Urban Areas

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Abstract

Leaves and fruits of Ricinus communis (castor oil plant) were studied as potential biomonitors of atmospheric pollution in urban areas. The concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were analyzed in samples collected in the city of Catania (Italy) and compared with a pristine area. This study showed that the fruits of R. communis act as better biomonitors of element concentrations in the atmosphere as compared to the leaves. In particular, this pattern was evident for Cu, Pb, and Zn, typical atmospheric pollutants. Fruits proved especially sensitive to Pb accumulation; thus, all products derived from them, such as castor oil and biofuels, should be obtained in places where the exposure to Pb is low to avoid potential contamination. The plant R. communis seems a promising species as a biomonitor of atmospheric pollution, and given its wide distribution, may be used for large-scale networks of biomonitoring.

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Acknowledgments

The author wishes to thank all the people involved in the sampling, and that provided scientific support. This study was partially financed by the Italian Ministry of University and Scientific Research (PRA no. 20104001098/2010).

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  1. Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, via Longo 19, 95125, Catania, Italy

    Giuseppe Bonanno

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  1. Giuseppe Bonanno
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Correspondence to Giuseppe Bonanno.

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Bonanno, G. Ricinus communis as an Element Biomonitor of Atmospheric Pollution in Urban Areas. Water Air Soil Pollut 225, 1852 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-013-1852-2

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