Assessment of diesel exhaust pollutants effects in Tillandsia capillaris and Ramalina celastri by laboratory trials

Traffic-related air pollution is one of the most relevant environmental problems in urban areas. Several cryptogams (i.e., lichens and mosses) vascular species have been employed to monitor since they allow assessment quality a large number sampling sites simultaneously at low cost. In cities, vehicle emissions are frequently major source along with residential energy (for cooking heating), industry, power generation, waste incineration. Biomonitors these environments exposed mixture pollutants making it difficult identify which pollutant causes greatest damage organisms. However, studies that analyze effect emitted by exhaust scarce particular case used biomonitor Argentina, no analysis how affected has carried out so far. So, aim this work was changes physiochemical parameters (pigment content, pro-oxidant products, sulfur accumulation) Ramalina celastri, heavy metal accumulation Tillandsia capillaris, diesel exhausts under laboratory conditions. A strong photosynthetic apparatus R. celastri observed as well concentration T. capillaris after 20 min exposure 48 h permanence chambers. The results indicate not only particles metals cause two well-known biomonitors, but interaction other components atmosphere form different secondary pollutants, together longer time, could highest level them.