Impact of Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) from a Thermoelectric Power Plant on Morpho-Functional Traits of Rhizophora mangle L. Leaves

A conventional thermoelectric plant (TP) in the sandy bar of the Tampamachoco Lagoon (Gulf of Mexico slope) emits particulate matter (PM) transporting trace metals that affect a mangrove forest. Wind transports the emission plume from north to south in the northerly wind season (NWS); the dry season (DS) showed calm periods. We analyzed whether PM2.5 and PM10 emissions from the TP and their trace metals impact Rhizophora mangle leaves. The experimental design included three sampling sites along the main lagoon axis (north to south) during the NWS and DS. Mangrove leaves were collected; PM was obtained with a cascade impactor and trace elements were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Leaves were measured and tested for metal and chlorophyll content, and for metal detection with SEM-EDX. Calm periods in the DS promote high atmospheric PM concentrations. Wet deposition in the NWS caused the highest trace metal deposition on mangrove leaves. A north-to-south gradient was identified on the mangrove forest, being the south site of the lagoon where lower chlorophyll and leaf area, higher stomatal width and density, and higher Cd concentrations were recorded. The morpho-physiological modifications observed on mangrove leaves affect functions such as photosynthesis and gas exchange.