The Effect of Heavy Industry on Air Pollution Studied by Active Moss Biomonitoring in Donetsk Region (Ukraine)

Evaluation of an aquatic liverwort and terrestrial moss as biomonitors of heavy metals associated with particulate matter

In this study, the capacity of the aquatic liverwort Ricciocarpus natans L. and the terrestrial moss Entodon serrulatus Mitt. as biomonitors of heavy metals associated with particulate matter from a highly polluted urban area was evaluated, and concentrations in moss tissues were correlated with concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 present in the atmosphere. The two species were exposed by the moss bag technique to the pollution of the Toluca Valley Metropolitan Area (TVMA) for two periods of 6 months, using the sites of the Automatic Atmospheric Monitoring Network of the Government of the State of Mexico, and were subsequently analyzed using elemental and structural characterization techniques. The results show that mainly the functional groups -OH and -NH, N-H and C-O on the surface of the liverwort and moss participate in the adsorption of heavy elements. The average enrichment factors of Cd and Pb show to be highly enriched (> 10) in the study area while chromium is not enriched (< 2). The statistical results indicate a temporary variation in the concentration of metals and particles in the atmosphere, where there is a lower concentration of these pollutants in the rainy and dry-cold season and a higher concentration in the dry-hot season and a possible association of Cr and Cd with PM10 and PM2.5. In addition, except for Cr, both species accumulate the metals associated with airborne particulate matter at equivalent levels. There is strong association between PM2.5 and PM10 particles and between the metals Cr-Pb-Fe in R. natans and between PM2.5-PM10 and Fe and between Cd-Cr-Pb in E. serrulatus and these pollutants are mainly associated with sampling sites with the highest concentrations of metals in the TVMA. Although terrestrial moss showed slightly better characteristics than aquatic liverwort as a biomonitor of heavy metals associated with atmospheric particles, these differences were not statistically significant for all metals, so both species could be useful for heavy metal biomonitoring in highly polluted urban areas.

Moss as a passive biomonitoring tool for the atmospheric deposition and spatial distribution pattern of toxic metals in an industrial city

Anthropogenic pollution impacts human and environmental health, climate change, and air quality. Karabük, an industrial area from the Black Sea Region in northern Türkiye, is vulnerable to environmental pollution, particularly soil and air. In this research on methodological aspects, we analyzed the concentrations of six potential toxic metals in the atmospheric deposition of the city using the passive method of moss biomonitoring. The ground-growing terrestrial moss, Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw., was collected during the dry season of August 2023 at 20 urban points. The concentrations of Cr, Cu, Cd, Ni, Pb, and Co were determined in mosses by the ICP-MS method. Descriptive statistical analysis was employed to evaluate the status and variance in the spatial distribution of the studied metals, and multivariate analysis, Pearson correlation, and cluster analysis were used to investigate the associations of elements and discuss the most probable sources of these elements in the study area. Cd and Co showed positive and significant inter-element correlations (r > 0.938), representing an anthropogenic association mostly present in the air particles emitted from several metal plants. The results showed substantial impacts from local industry, manufactured activity, and soil dust emissions. Steel and iron smelter plants and cement factories are the biggest emitters of trace metals in the Karabük area and the primary sources of Cr, Cd, Ni, and Co deposition.

Significance of moss pretreatments in active biomonitoring surveys

The present study examines the impact of pretreatment procedures on the metal concentrations in bags that are to be exposed. We examine Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb amounts in Sphagnum fallax and Dicranum polysetum mosses using atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentration of Hg was also determined using a mercury analyzer. Two sample preparation ways were tested (with and without rinsing) and their influence was evaluated by determining the coefficient of variation (CV). Chlorophyll content was also determined in mosses collected from three habitats (deep woodland, forest road, and wood lot). The results indicate, that the concentration of elements deposited in mosses depends on the species and the habitat where they were collected (ANOVA, p < 0.001). Rinsing of mosses reduces the CV for Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn and uniform the material prior to exposure (CV for the majority of metals <10%). Selected correlations were found for element concentrations with chlorophyll content. Photosynthetic activity of mosses decreased by about 80% during their one-month storage in the laboratory. Due to the varying concentration of metals in the collected samples, proper, and standardized preparation of mosses before exposure, they can be effectively used in active biomonitoring.

Looking at moss through the bioeconomy lens: biomonitoring, bioaccumulation, and bioenergy potential

The field of bioeconomy has been experiencing a surge in interest in recent years as society increasingly recognizes the potential of utilizing renewable biological resources to create sustainable solutions for economic growth, resource management, and environmental protection. Despite its potential, there is a notable lack of studies exploring the utilization of moss as a viable resource within the bioeconomy framework. Aligned with this objective, this paper conducts a keyword analysis using the VOSviewer application to explore the applicability of mosses as a bioeconomy resource. While biomonitoring using mosses has been studied extensively, this paper shifts its focus to discuss advancements in this area. Moreover, it evaluates the viability of moss utilization for bioenergy production and concisely summarizes their application in microbial fuel cells. The review also highlights challenges pertinent to moss utilization and presents future prospects. The overarching goal of this review paper is to assess the potential and utilization prospects of mosses within the realms of bioaccumulation, air purification, and bioenergy. By offering a comprehensive summary of moss applications, performance, and viability across diverse sectors, this paper endeavors to promote the versatile application of mosses in various contexts. It repositions the discussion on mosses, accentuating their utilization potential prior to exploring conclusions and future prospects.