Análise Multielementar da Rhipsalis lindbergiana K. schum.

Abstract

Currently epiphytes have been considered an important type of passive biomonitors for its high spread in the forests of tropical countries. The Rhipsalis lindbergiana is a typical epiphyte in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, but there is no data available to establish its role as a metal traces bioaccumulator. In this way, this work has succeeded in elementar characterization of the Rhipsalis lindbergiana samples collected in Niterói City, RJ. It was applied Optical Spectrometry in order to evaluate the amounts of major - Ca, K, Mg and Na - and trace elements - Fe, Al, Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, La and Y. The results showed the average ratio Ca / K = 0.59 ± 0.27, with range between 1.16 and 0.19. The Al normalization showed enrichment of Zn and Cu in the sites of UFF’s Chemistry Institute; Zn, Cu and Ni in the most polluted sites next to town. Furthermore, enrichment of Mn was observed in the sample of green area collected during the fructification season. An inconsistency was found about low values of the enrichment factor of La and Y and the distribution of these elements in the samples. This suggests that the applied algorithm is not yet the best parameter to evaluate the accumulation of these elements in this type of environmental matrix. Pearson's test pointed out a significant positive correlation between the elements Na, Ca, Cu and Fe and a negative correlation with Na and Mn. Positive correlations were also found between Co and K, La and Al. Three aspects can be taken into account from the results obtained: the morphology of the Rhipsalis; the influence of some ion concentration on absorption of other ions; the deposition of sea spray on the plants.