The use of passive lichen biomonitoring in combination with positive matrix factor analysis and stable isotopic ratios to assess the metal pollution sources in throughfall deposition of Bolu plain, Turkey

The main objective of this study was to determine the elemental content of (51 elements) and stable isotope (delta C-13, delta N-15) content of lichen, Xanthoria parietina. The results were evaluated according to seasonal changes, pollution source, and altitudes. The data indicated that there is no significant impact of seasonal variation in concentrations of most of the elements and isotopes. The uptake efficiency of Xanthoria parietina and pine needle was compared and it was found out that significantly higher amounts of metals were accumulated by Xanthoria parietina than by pine needles. The lowest delta C-13 and the highest delta N-15 values were obtained in pine needle in both seasons. Both delta C-13 and delta N-15 showed increasing (for summer) and decreasing (for winter) trends with a rise in an altitude.