4:45 PM - 5:00 PM
[HGG01-06] Biomagnetic monitoring investigations of the spatial distribution of atmospheric fine magnetic particles:
case study of the Toyama-shi area, Japan
Keywords:Environmental magnetism, Japanese flowering cherry, Atmospheric magnetic particles
Magnetic biomonitoring techniques have been shown to be rapid, cost-effective and useful methods for investigating spatial distribution of air pollution. Particulate matter in the atmospheric pollution contains measurable magnetic concentrations. Magnetite is known to be a major magnetic mineral in particulate matter and can have potentially large impacts on human health. Here environmental magnetic results are reported for the materials deposited on the Japanese flowering cherries (Prunus subgenus Cerasus) at Toyama city, Toyama, Japan. Stepwise isothermal remanet magnetization tests show that measurable magnetic particles are present on leaves at all sites. Further, details rock magnetic analyses indicate that the main magnetic mineral is single-domain partially oxidized magnetite, and the magnetic mineralogy on leaves' surface is consistent throughout the study area. Higher saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM) intensity is observed at northern parts of the city, which is coincident with the urban area. Elemental analysis showed a positive correlation between SIRM intensity and Fe. In addition, positive correlations were found in As, Sb and Cr that could be related to the combustion process of automobiles and the wear of brake pads. These results indicate that magnetic biomonitoring using the leaves of the Japanese flowering cherry can be a rapid and cost-effective method for studying the spatial distribution of fine magnetite derived from local industrial activities, and therefore it should be considered for application elsewhere in the country.