Antimony in the environment - first results from the German environmental specimen bank

Research Program The German Environmental Specimen Bank (ESB) is an important tool for the long-term monitoring of pollutants in typical ecosystems. Within this program for example in terrestrial ecosystems spruce needles (Picea abies), beech leaves (Fagus sylvatica) and Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica') are sampled at different locations in Germany. The specimens are archived and analyzed for environmental relevant substances. The spruce is widespread in Central Europe. Its suitability as a specimen type for the ESB is founded on its economic and ecological significance and the considerable understanding of its pattern of accumulation in relation to many hazardous substances. The target organ is the one-year-old shoot which, when sampled in spring (February to late May before sprouting begins), presents a comprehensive picture of winter pollution in the environment. The common, or European, beech plays a dominant role in most nearly natural and also anthropogenically influenced forest ecosystems in Central Europe. Unlike the coniferous spruce, it prefers lower altitudes. The leaves are the target organ. Sampling takes place in the late summer before the leaves begin to change colour (August to mid-September). The sampling of biota within the ESB program is performed by University of Trier. Results On the poster we present first results on antimony levels. The antimony was co-analyzed with arsenic using hydride-generation ICP-MS with cool plasma/ShieldTorch. For optimum sensitivity, accuracy and precision Sb (As) must be pre-reduced to the most efficient oxidation state for hydride formation. A solution of KI plus ascorbic acid is used. Before analyses the material is digested with a high pressure microwave system (MLS ULTRAClave II). Spruce shoots and leaves showed Sb levels in the ng/g range (dry matter).