INAA for the determination of trace elements and evaluation of their enrichment factors in lichens of high altitude areas

Trace element (TE) characterization and analysis in epiphytic lichens collected in different areas of the Himalayas (Nepal) and of the Alps (Italy) is presented. The results give information for the assessment of TE distribution present in the two different areas. The evaluation of the enrichment factors may provide information for many elements about their association to long-distance atmospheric transport phenomena. To this purpose, samples of superficial soils, collected in the same areas of those of the lichens, have also been analyzed. Most of the trace elements were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), while lead and cadmium measurements were carried out with electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (ET-AAS).