Multi-element atmospheric deposition in Macedonia studied by the moss biomonitoring technique

Regional air quality study by assessing trace metal atmospheric deposition

This study addresses the atmospheric deposition of trace elements investigated in Albania, Croatia and Macedonia in 2010 as part of the European Moss Study. This study provides data on the concentration of ten metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, Zn, Fe, Al, and Li) in naturally growing mosses. In general, all concentration data follow a lognormal distribution. Cd, Cr, Ni, and Zn show strong fluctuations in the moss samples from Albania and Macedonia, and Pb, Fe, and Al in the mosses from Croatia. The concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Zn were higher in the samples from Croatia than in those from Albania and Macedonia; the concentrations of Cr, Ni, V, Fe, Al, and Li were higher in the samples from Albania than in those from Croatia and Macedonia; and a higher concentration of Pb was found in the samples from Macedonia. The observed relationship between the concentration of lithogenic elements (Al, Fe, and V) and the air quality index (AQI) confirms that moss species have a high capacity to retain atmospheric deposition particles. The anthropogenic emission sources of these elements from local and long-range transport were considered to be the most important factors affecting air quality in the studied areas.

Levels and distribution of chemical elements in house dust from the area of an abandoned Pb-Zn smelter in North Macedonia

The content of 41 chemical elements (Ag, Al, As, Au, Ba, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Hf, In, K, La, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nd, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sr, Tb, Th, Ti, Tm, U, V, W, and Zn) was determined in attic dust, household dust and soil samples collected from 33 houses in the area of the town of Veles, North Macedonia. Silver, Cd, Cu, Li, P, and, Pb were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectrometry while the other elements were analyzed by neutron activation analysis. The study area has been continuously exposed to high amounts of potentially toxic elements due to the emission from an abandoned Pb-Zn smelter plant. In this study, attic and household dust together with soil samples collected from the yards of the houses were used to assess the level of historical and present air contamination by potentially toxic elements. It was found that the contents of Ag, As, Cd, Cu, In, Pb, Sb, Se, and, Zn in dust samples represented an anthropogenic association of elements, with very high contents in samples collected from the town of Veles, which is close to the Pb-Zn smelter, compared with those collected from the mountainous area.

Moss biomonitoring of air pollution with potentially toxic elements in the Kumanovo Region, North Macedonia

A study was carried out to investigate air deposition and to explore the natural distribution and contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the Kumanovo Region, North Macedonia, by using moss samples as biomonitors for air pollution. The distribution of 51 elements was detected in 42 moss samples collected from this area. Moss samples were analyzed following microwave digestion by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It was found that the atmospheric deposition for some PTEs in the moss samples in specific parts of the study area is influenced by anthropogenic and urban activities. R-mode factor analysis was used to identify and characterize element associations, and six associations of elements were determined. Four factors were separated from the group of macroelements determined by ICP-AES: Factor 1 (Al, Cr, Fe, Li, Ni, V, and Zn), F2 (K, Mg, and P), F3 (Ba and Sr), and F4 (Cd, Pb, and Zn); and two associations were separated from the group of trace elements determined by ICP-MS: Factor 1 (As, Co, Cs, Ga, Ge, Sc, Ti, Y, Zr, and rare earth elements-REEs) and Factor 2 (Bi, Br, Hg, I, Sb, Sn, and W).

Statistical analysis of atmospheric deposition of heavy metals in Kosovo using the terrestrial mosses method

Heavy metals presence in the air in the territory of Kosovo was estimated using mosses as biomonitors. The periodic smog over the territory of Kosovo, particularly around industrial sites and cities, is a clear indication of air pollution which unavoidably will contain heavy metals, because of the nature of the industries in area. This work was carried out aming to assess the presence of heavy metals in the air, identify the most polluted sites, and the origins of pollution. Heavy metals such as Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn, were determined in 45 moss samples. Statistical analysis was performed to better explain the data. The most polluted sites appeared to be in Zveqan, Stanterg, Prapashticë, Siboc, and Lupç. The contamination factor (CF) showed that only Cu and Zn had no or almost no contamination levels over the range of moss samples with CF < 1, while Cd and Pb gave extremely high values, CF > 27. Pollution load index (PLI) also showed that only a few samples are moderately polluted 2 < PLI ≤ 3, while most of the samples appeared to be highly polluted 4 < PLI ≤ 5, and very highly polluted PLI > 5.

Assessment of the Atmospheric Deposition of Heavy Metals and Other Elements in the Mountain Crimea Using Moss Biomonitoring Technique

The atmospheric depositions of heavy metals and other elements on the territory of Crimean Mountains in 2015 was assessed using the moss biomonitoring technique. The neutron activation analysis performed at the installation REGATA of the IBR-2 reactor was used for the determination of the mass fractions of 34 elements (Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Sb, I, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb, Ta, Th, and U). Factor analysis, concentration factors, and enrichment factors were used to reveal possible sources of elements in the mosses. The main contributor to the deposition of elements on the mosses was the weathering of rock materials. The second group of elements included Br and I. The agriculture and marine sources of emissions were found to be important factors of atmospheric Br and I, respectively. The representing maps of the distribution of heavy metals and other elements revealed high levels of elements at the South coast of Crimea and near the city of Simferopol. The comparison of the obtained data with the data of biomonitoring studies performed for other mountain regions showed higher levels of Al, V, Cr, Fe, Ni, and As than in the mosses from Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Norway, but lower than in the mosses from Georgia, Turkey, Romania, and Northern Serbia. The presented results could serve as a basis for future monitoring research.

Moss Biomonitoring of Atmospheric Trace Element Pollution in the Republic of Moldova

The moss biomonitoring technique was used for the assessment of air pollution in the Republic of Moldova, in the framework of the UNECE ICP Vegetation Programme. The content of 11 chemical elements (Al, V, Cr, Fe, Ni, Zn, As, Sb, Cd, Cu, and Pb) was determined by neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry in samples collected in spring 2020. Distribution maps were built to identify the most polluted sites. The highest concentrations of elements in mosses were determined in the north-eastern, central, and western parts of the country. The main element associations were identified using factor analysis. Three factors were determined, of which one of mixed geogenic-anthropogenic origin and two of anthropogenic origin. A comparison of the data obtained in 2020 and 2015 showed a significant decrease in the concentrations of Cr, As, Sb, Cd, Pb, and Cu in 2020. The state of the environment was assessed using Contamination Factor and Pollution Load Index values, which characterized it as unpolluted to moderately polluted. Possible air pollution sources in the Republic of Moldova are resuspension of soil particles, agricultural practices, vehicles, industry, and thermal power plants.

Characterization of Trace Elements in Atmospheric Deposition Studied by Moss Biomonitoring in Georgia

The present work was conducted to obtain and highlight the first comprehensive baseline data on atmospheric deposition of trace elements and to evaluate the air quality in Georgia. A total of 120 moss samples were collected over accessible territories in Georgia in the period from 2014 to 2017. Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.) Schimp., Hypnum cupressiforme (Hedw.), and Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt. moss species were analyzed by two complementary analytical techniques: instrumental neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry. Concentrations of 41 elements in mg/kg were determined. The concentrations were compared with the corresponding values in the literature and are in a good agreement, except for the concentration of Mg, Al, K, Ca, Ti, and Fe, which were higher than those reported for other countries. The principal component and discriminant analyses were implemented to extract information about the similar geochemical features and to decipher the provenance of the studied elements. The analysis showed that a considerable association of crustal elements and the provenance of elements can be considered as a mixture of geogenic and anthropogenic sources. In addition, the influence of different latitudinal climate zones on the distribution of elements in the atmospheric deposition was observed. The enrichment factor shows considerable values for Th and Zr. The spatial distribution of the pollution load index identifies four zones (#12, 38, 53, and 64). The potential ecological risk index and the risk index were calculated and it does not pose significant risk except As and Cd. The data obtained can be used as the first dataset of metal characterization of air pollution in Georgia.

Selenium volatilization from tundra soils in maritime Antarctica

Maritime Antarctica harbors a large number of penguins and seals that provide considerable input of selenium (Se) originating as guano into terrestrial ecosystems. Subsequent Se emissions via biomethylation and volatilization from these sources of Se have not been studied. Here, penguin colony soils (PCS) and adjacent tundra marsh soils (TMS), seal colony soils (SCS) and adjacent tundra soils (STS), and normal upland tundra soils (NTS) were collected in maritime Antarctica. For the first time, Se volatilization and speciation were investigated in these soils through incubation experiments using chemo-trapping method. The Se contents in PCS, SCS, STS and TMS were highly enriched compared with NTS, with organic matter-bound Se accounting for 70%-80%. Laboratory incubations yielded the greatest Se volatilization rates (VR_Se) in PCS (0.20 ± 0.01 μg kg^-1 d^-1), followed by SCS (0.14 ± 0.01 μg kg^-1 d^-1) at low temperature (4 °C). Soil frozen-thawing induced 1-4 fold increase in VR_Se, and the VR_Se continuously increased until the soils fully thawed. The VR_Se showed a significant positive correlation (R² = 0.96, p < 0.01) with soil temperature. Methylated Se species were dominated by dimethylselenide (DMSe) in PCS and dimethyldiselenide (DMDSe) in SCS. Our results imply that the combination of climate warming, frozen-thawing processes, and high-Se inputs from sea animals will significantly increase tundra soil Se volatilization in maritime Antarctica. High VR_Se from penguin colony soils, and significantly elevated Se levels in the mosses close to penguin colony, suggest that volatilization of Se from penguin colony soils play an important role in the mobilization and regional biogeochemical cycling of Se in maritime Antarctica.

Atmospheric Mercury Deposition in Macedonia from 2002 to 2015 Determined Using the Moss Biomonitoring Technique

The moss biomonitoring technique was used in 2002, 2005, 2010 and 2015 in a potentially toxic elements study (PTEs) in Macedonia. For that purpose, more than 70 moss samples from two dominant species (Hypnum cupressiforme and Homalothecium lutescens) were collected during the summers of the mentioned years. Total digestion of the samples was done using a microwave digestion system, whilst mercury was analyzed by cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry (CV–AAS). The content of mercury ranged from 0.018 mg/kg to 0.26 mg/kg in 2002, from 0.010 mg/kg to 0.42 mg/kg in 2005, from 0.010 mg/kg to 0.60 mg/kg in 2010 and from 0.020 mg/kg to 0.25 mg/kg in 2015. Analysis of the median values shows the increase of the content in the period 2002–2010 and a slight reduction of the air pollution with Hg in the period 2010–2015. Mercury distribution maps show that sites with increased concentrations of mercury in moss are likely impacted by anthropogenic pollution. The results were compared to similar studies done during the same years in neighboring countries and in Norway—which is a pristine area and serves as a reference, and it was concluded that mercury air pollution in Macedonia is significant primarily in industrialized regions.

Analysis of Spatial Data from Moss Biomonitoring in Czech–Polish Border

The purpose of the study was the analysis of spatial data gained by biomonitoring with the use of mosses. A partial goal was set to characterize the regional atmospheric deposition of pollutants in the air based on the results of the analyses and simultaneously verify the suitability of using mosses as an alternative for monitoring air quality in smaller industrial areas. In total, 93 samples of moss were collected and examined from the area of the Moravian–Silesian Region in the Czech Republic and the area of the Silesian Voivodship in Poland. The samples were analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis. Based on the analyses performed, 38 elements, which had been evaluated using principal component analysis, hierarchical clustering on principal components, factor analysis, correlation analysis, contamination factor, geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor, and pollution load index, were determined. The analyses resulted in a division of elements into a group with its concentrations close to the level of the values of the natural background and the second group of elements identified as emission likely originating from anthropogenic activity (Sm, W, U, Tb, and Th). The likely dominant source of emissions for the studied area was identified. Simultaneously, the results pointed to sources of local importance. The area of interest was divided into clusters according to the prevailing type of pollution and long-distance transmission of pollutants was confirmed.

Mosses as Bioindicators of Heavy Metal Air Pollution in the Lockdown Period Adopted to Cope with the COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus disease, COVID-19, has had a great negative impact on human health and economies all over the world. To prevent the spread of infection in many countries, including the Russian Federation, public life was restricted. To assess the impact of the taken actions on air quality in the Moscow region, in June 2020, mosses Pleurosium shreberi were collected at 19 sites considered as polluted in the territory of the region based on the results of the previous moss surveys. The content of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Pb in the moss samples was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. The obtained values were compared with the data from the moss survey performed in June 2019 at the same sampling sites. Compared to 2019 data, the Cd content in moss samples decreased by 2–46%, while the iron content increased by 3–127%. The content of Cu, Ni, and Pb in mosses decreased at most sampling sites, except for the eastern part of the Moscow region, where a considerable number of engineering and metal processing plants operate. The stay-at-home order issued in the Moscow region resulted in a reduction of vehicle emissions affecting air quality, while the negative impact of the industrial sector remained at the level of 2019 or even increased.

An integrated assessment of land-use change impact, seasonal variation of pollution indices and human health risk of selected toxic elements in sediments of River Atuwara, Nigeria

River sediments contain environmental fingerprints that provide useful ecological information. However, the geochemistry of River Atuwara sediments has received less attention over the years. One hundred and twenty-six sediments from 21 locations were collected over a two-season period from River Atuwara, and a detailed investigation of the land use and land cover (LULC) change between 1990 and 2019, analysis of selected toxic and potentially toxic metal(oid)s (TPTM) (Cu, As, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Zn, Fe, Co and Al) using ICP-OES, pollution index assessment, potential source identification (using center log-transformation approach), potential ecological, and human health risk assessment were conducted. The results of the LULC change revealed that the built-up area increased by 95.58 km², at an average rate of 3.186 km²/year over the past 30 years. The mean concentration of metal(oid)s increased in the order of Cd < As < Cr < Pb < Co < Ni < Cu < Zn < Fe < Al, and Cd < As < Cr < Co < Pb < Ni < Cu < Zn < Fe < Al during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Meanwhile, the statistical analysis of the data spectrum inferred possible contamination from lithological and anthropogenic sources. According to the pollution load index, 90.48% of the sediment samples are polluted by the metal(oid)s. Potential ecological risk assessment identified Ni, As, and Cd as problematic to the ecological community of River Atuwara. Regarding the metal-specific hazard quotient via ingestion route, the risks are in order of Co ≫ As ≫ Pb > Cr > Cd > Al > Ni > Cu > Zn > Fe for both seasons and the carcinogenic risk for children via ingestion route presented a value higher than the safe limits for As, Cd, Cr, and Ni during both seasons. This outcome highlights the need for prompt action towards the restoration of environmental quality for communities surrounding River Atuwara.

Atmospheric Heavy Metal Deposition in North Macedonia from 2002 to 2010 Studied by Moss Biomonitoring Technique

Moss biomonitoring technique was used for a heavy-metal pollution study in Macedonia in the framework of the International Cooperative Program on Effects of Air Pollution on Natural Vegetation and Crops (UNECE IPC Vegetation). Moss samples (n = 72) were collected during the summers of 2002, 2005, and 2010. The contents of 41 elements were determined by neutron activation analysis, atomic absorption spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Using factor and cluster analyses, three geogenic factors were determined (Factor 1, including Al, As, Co, Cs, Fe, Hf, Na, Rb, Sc, Ta, Th, Ti, U, V, Zr, and rare-earth elements–RE; Factor 4 with Ba, K, and Sr; and Factor 5 with Br and I), one anthropogenic factor (Factor 2, including Cd, Pb, Sb, and Zn), and one geogenic-anthropogenic factor (Factor 3, including Cr and Ni). The highest anthropogenic impact of heavy metal to the air pollution in the country was from the ferronickel smelter near Kavadraci (Ni and Cr), the lead and zinc mines in the vicinity of Makedonska Kamenica, Probištip, and Kriva Palanka in the eastern part of the country (Cd, Pb, and Zn), and the former lead and zinc smelter plant in Veles. Beside the anthropogenic influences, the lithology and the composition of the soil also play an important role in the distribution of the elements.

Spatial distribution and pollution assessment of heavy metals in soil from the Republic of North Macedonia

The purpose of the study was to determine the spatial distribution and pollution assessment of 39 chemical elements in soil from the Republic of North Macedonia. From the whole territory of the country top soil samples (0-30 cm) were collected from 995 locations with a grid of 5 × 5 km distance between the sampling locations. Two analytical techniques were used for the analysis of soil samples: inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Based on a comparison of statistical parameters, spatial distribution of particular elements and results of cluster and factor analysis, four mаin geochemical associations were identified: (1) association connected with the Neogene and Quaternary volcanism (Ba, Be, Ce, Hf, K, La, Rb, Th, Tl, U and Zr); (2) association of siderophile elements (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Sc, Ti and V); (3) association connected with ophiolites and Mesozoic ultrabasic magmatic rocks of Vardar zone (Cr and Ni) and (4) chalcophile (sulphide) elements (As, Bi, Cd, Pb, Sb, Sn and Zn). The regional distribution was prepared according to the eight statistical regions in Macedonia, distribution according to 15 most common geological formation and distribution according to 13 pedological units.

Heavy Metal Atmospheric Deposition Study in Moscow Region, Russia

The air quality in north-eastern part of Moscow region was evaluated by trace metals atmospheric deposition using moss Pleurozium schreberi as bioindicator. Thirty six elements were determined in analyzed samples by Neutron activation analysis and Atomic absorption spectrometry. Principal component analysis was used to identify and characterize different pollution sources. Maps showing the geographical distribution of the factor scores were built using ArcGis software. Median values of the elements studied were compared with data obtained for other regions in Russia. The present survey showed that industrial activity, thermal power plants and transport still have the largest anthropogenic impact on air pollution in studied region.

Enchasing anthropogenic element trackers for evidence of long-term atmospheric depositions in mine environs

In this work attic dust was examined as historical archive of anthropogenic emissions, with the aim of elucidating the pathways of enrichments associated with exploitation of Cu, Pb, and Zn minerals in the Bregalnica river basin region. Attic dust samples were collected from 84 settlements. At each location for attic dust sampling, topsoil samples from the house yards were also collected. Mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS) was applied as analytical technique for determination of Ag, Bi, Cd, Cu, In, Mn, Pb, Sb, Te, W, and Zn. The Universal Kriging method with linear variogram interpolation was applied for the construction of spatial distribution maps. Thеsе elements are normally associated with air pollution (Cd-Pb-Zn), and usually are not influenced by lithological background. This investigation fortifies an extended anthropogenic association (Ag, Bi, In, and Mn) that implement some other anthropogenic activities such as agricultural activities (use of urban sludge, manure and fertilizers) or their occurrence can be a secondary affection from mine poly-metallic pollution. Spatial patterns showed intensive deposition in the areas of Pb-Zn mining activities ("Sasa" and "Zletovo" mines) and copper mine "Bučim". Long-distance distributions of higher contents of these elements from the mines were not detected.

The Evaluation of Air Quality in Albania by Moss Biomonitoring and Metals Atmospheric Deposition

The air quality of Albania is evaluated by trace metals atmospheric deposition using moss biomonitoring method. Bryophyte moss (Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw.) samples were collected during August and September 2015 from 55 sampling points distributed over the entire territory of Albania. The concentrations of Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn in moss samples was determined by ICP-AES, ETAAS (As and Cd), and CVAAS (Hg) analysis. Spatial distribution and temporal trend of the moss elements is discussed in this study. Different variability was found in moss metal concentrations that may reflect their spatial distribution patterns and may identify the location of the areas with high contamination of each element. Compared with the measurements of moss collected in 2010, significant differences were found in the concentrations of As, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn. The differences between two moss surveys may reflect changes in the bioavailability of the elements resulting from wet and dry deposition respectively during 2015 and 2010 moss biomonitoring survey. The pollution loading index that was applied to judge the content of metal contamination indicated moderate pollution throughout Albania. Examination of the potential ecological risk found that As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, and Pb pose the highest potential ecological risks particularly in the areas with high metal contents. Factor analysis applied to investigate the probable sources of metals in the environment suggested that Al and Fe likely originated from natural sources. As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Cr likely originated from anthropogenic sources associated with long-range transport, transboundary pollution and local emission sources.

Health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in soils along the Central Elbe River, Germany

Floodplain soils across Central Elbe River (CER), Germany, vary considerably in potentially toxic element (PTE) content. However, there has never been a comprehensive study that links PTE levels with human health risk for children and adults. Our objective was to determine the contamination of 13 PTEs in 94 soil profiles along CER and assess the associated health risk via diverse indices for adults and children. Of 94 soil profiles, we measured soil properties and total content of arsenic, barium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, rubidium, tin, strontium, vanadium, zinc, and zirconium using x-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF). We calculated the Contamination Factor and the Pollution Load Index (PLI), and assessed the health risk for male and female adults as well as for children. Topsoil median contents of Cr (84 mg kg^-1), Cu (42), Ni (33), and Zn (195) exceeded the Precautionary Values for sandy soils according to the German Federal Soil Protection and Contaminated Sites Ordinance, while As, Pb, and V were 32, 73, and 77 mg kg^-1, respectively. Median topsoil PLI was 1.73, indicating elevated multi-element contamination, with 90th percentile and maximum values being 3.20 and 4.31, respectively. All PTE concentrations were higher in top- compared to subsoils. Also at the 50th percentile the most enriched elements were Sn and As, followed by Zr and Rb, while in the 90th percentile Sn and As were followed by Zn, Pb and Cu. Median children's hazard index (HI) was higher than unity (HI = 2.27) and the 90th percentile was 5.53, indicating elevated health risk. Adult median HIs were 0.18 for male and 0.21 for female persons. Arsenic was found to be the primary contributor to total risk, accounting of 57.4% of HI in all three-person groupings, with Cr (17.3%) being the second, and V (10.2%) the third. Children's health is at dramatically higher risk than that of adults; also As, Cr, Pb, and V have a predominant role in contamination-related health risks. The presence of V, a less-expected element, among those of major risk contribution, reveals the necessity of monitoring areas at large scale. Our results demonstrate that our study may serve as a model for similar works studying multi-element-contaminated areas in future.

Activity of the soil enzymes and moss and lichen biomonitoring method used for the evaluation of soil and air pollution from tailing pond in Nižná Slaná (Slovakia)

The surrounding of the poorly maintained tailing ponds is endangered by the toxic substances and represents a serious risk for the health of the local population. The aim of the study was to determine the soil pollution by the hazardous elements (As, Cr, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) around the tailing pond using contamination factor (C_f), degree of contamination (C_d) and pollution load index (PLI). The health and the condition of soil were evaluated by soil enzyme activity (urease, acid and alkaline phosphatase, florescein diacetate, and ß-glucosidase). The spreading of the airborne hazardous elements from the body of the tailing pond was evaluated by moss and lichen bag technique and relative accumulation factor was used for the result expression. Cd, Fe, and Mn in soils reached above the limit values at all sampling sites. According to the degree of contamination (C_d), the soils at the sampling area were very high contaminated by As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Pb. The most part of the assessed area was according to the PLI values extremely polluted. The air pollution was the most serious around the tailing pond, but serious levels of some hazardous elements were determined also in the remote distances.

Modelling spatial patterns of correlations between concentrations of heavy metals in mosses and atmospheric deposition in 2010 across Europe

BACKGROUND

This paper aims to investigate the correlations between the concentrations of nine heavy metals in moss and atmospheric deposition within ecological land classes covering Europe. Additionally, it is examined to what extent the statistical relations are affected by the land use around the moss sampling sites. Based on moss data collected in 2010/2011 throughout Europe and data on total atmospheric deposition modelled by two chemical transport models (EMEP MSC-E, LOTOS-EUROS), correlation coefficients between concentrations of heavy metals in moss and in modelled atmospheric deposition were specified for spatial subsamples defined by ecological land classes of Europe (ELCE) as a spatial reference system. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and logistic regression (LR) were then used to separate moss sampling sites regarding their contribution to the strength of correlation considering the areal percentage of urban, agricultural and forestry land use around the sampling location. After verification LDA models by LR, LDA models were used to transform spatial information on the land use to maps of potential correlation levels, applicable for future network planning in the European Moss Survey.

RESULTS

Correlations between concentrations of heavy metals in moss and in modelled atmospheric deposition were found to be specific for elements and ELCE units. Land use around the sampling sites mainly influences the correlation level. Small radiuses around the sampling sites examined (5 km) are more relevant for Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn, while the areal percentage of urban and agricultural land use within large radiuses (75-100 km) is more relevant for As, Cr, Hg, Pb, and V. Most valid LDA models pattern with error rates of < 40% were found for As, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, and V. Land use-dependent predictions of spatial patterns split up Europe into investigation areas revealing potentially high (= above-average) or low (= below-average) correlation coefficients.

CONCLUSIONS

LDA is an eligible method identifying and ranking boundary conditions of correlations between atmospheric deposition and respective concentrations of heavy metals in moss and related mapping considering the influence of the land use around moss sampling sites.

Geochemical properties of topsoil around the coal mine and thermoelectric power plant

The results of the systematic study of the spatial distribution of trace metals in surface soil over the Bitola region, Republic of Macedonia, known for its coal mine and thermo-electrical power plant activities are reported. The investigated region (3200 km²) is covered by a sparse sampling grid of 5 × 5 km, but in the urban zone and around the thermoelectric power plant the sampling grid is denser (1 × 1 km). In total, 229 soil samples from 149 locations were collected including top-soil (0-5 cm) and bottom-soil samples (20-30 cm and 0-30 cm). Inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) was applied for the determinations of 21 elements (Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, V and Zn). Based on the results of factor analyses, three geogenic associations of elements have been defined: F1 (Fe, Ni, V, Co, Cr, Mn and Li), F2 (Zn, B, Cu, Cd, Na and K) and F3 (Ca, Sr, Mg, Ba and Al). Even typical trace metals such as As, Cd, Cu, Ni, P, Pb and Zn are not isolated into anthropogenic geochemical associations by multivariate statistical methods still show some trends of local anthropogenic enrichment. The distribution maps for each analyzed element is showing the higher content of these elements in soil samples collected around the thermoelectric power plants than their average content for the soil samples collected from the whole Bitola Region. It was found that this enrichment is a result of the pollution by fly ash from coal burning which deposited near the plant having a high content of these elements.

Using moss and lichens in biomonitoring of heavy-metal contamination of forest areas in southern and north-eastern Poland

In the years 2014-2016 biomonitoring studies were conducted in the forest areas of south and north-eastern Poland: the Karkonosze Mountains, the Beskidy Mountains, the Borecka Forest, the Knyszyńska Forest and the Białowieska Forest. This study used epigeic moss Pleurozium schreberi and epiphytic lichens Hypogymnia physodes. Samples were collected in spring, summer and autumn. Approximately 500 samples of moss and lichens were collected for the study. In the samples, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg and Pb concentrations were determined. Based on the obtained results, the studied areas were ranked by extent of heavy-metal deposition: Beskidy > Karkonosze Mountains > forests of north-eastern Poland. Some seasonal changes in concentrations of metals accumulated in moss and lichens were also indicated. There was observed, i.a., an increase in Cd concentration at the beginning of the growing season, which may be related to low emissions during the heating season. Analysis of the surface distribution of deposition of metals in the studied areas showed a significant contribution of nearby territorial emissions and unidentified local emission sources. The contribution of distant emission to Zn, Hg and Pb deposition levels in the Karkonosze and Beskidy region was also indicated.

Quantitative assessment of metal elements using moss species as biomonitors in downwind area of lead-zinc mine

Distributions of a total of 21 elements were monitored in significantly lead-zinc polluted area using moss species (Hypnum cupressiforme and Camptothecium lutescens) used interchangeably, covering a denser sampling network. Interspecies comparison was conducted using Box-Cox transformed values, due to their skewed distribution. The median concentrations of trace elements in the both mosses examined decreased in the following order: Fe>Mn>Zn>Pb>Cu>Ni∼Cr∼As>Co>Cd>Hg. For almost all analyzed elements, H. cupressiforme revealed higher bio-accumulative abilities. For arsenic contents was obtained ER-value in favor of C. lutescens. The ER for the element contents according to the distance from the pollution source in selected areas was significantly enriched for the anthropogenic introduced elements As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn. After Box-Cox transformation of the content values, T_B was significantly different for As (4.82), Cd (3.84), Cu (2.95), Pb (4.38), and Zn (4.23). Multivariate factor analysis singled out four elemental associations: F1 (Al-Co-Cr-Fe-Li-Ni-V), F2 (Cd-Pb-Zn), F3 (Ca-Mg-Na-P) and F4 (Cu) with a total variance of 89%. Spatial distribution visualized the hazardously higher contents of "hot spots" of Cd > 1.30 mg/kg, Cu > 22 mg/kg, Pb > 130 mg/kg and Zn > 160 mg/kg. Therefore, main approach in moss biomonitoring should be based on data management of the element distribution by reducing the effect of extreme values (considering Box-Cox data transformation); the interspecies variation in sampling media does not deviate in relation to H. cupressiforme vs. C. lutescens.

Air Pollution Study in the Republic of Moldova Using Moss Biomonitoring Technique

Moss biomonitoring using the species Hypnum cupressiforme (Hedw.) and Pleurocarpous sp was applied to study air pollution in the Republic of Moldova. A total of 41 elements (Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Cd, Sb, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Tm, Yb, Hf, Ta, W, Pb, Th, and U) were determined by instrumental epithermal neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry. Principal component analysis was used to identify and characterize different pollution sources. Geographical distribution maps were prepared to point out the regions most affected by air pollution and relate this to potential sources of contamination. Median values of the elements studied were compared with data from the European moss biomonitoring program. The cities of Chisinau and Balti were determined to experience particular environmental stress.

Long-term Geochemical Evolution of Lithogenic Versus Anthropogenic Distribution of Macro and Trace Elements in Household Attic Dust

Attic dusts were examined as historical archives of anthropogenic emissions, with the goal of elucidating the enrichment pathways associated with hydrothermal exploitation of Cu, Pb, and Zn minerals in the Bregalnica River basin in the eastern part of the Republic of Macedonia. Dust samples were collected from 84 settlements. Atomic emission spectrometry and mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma were applied as analytical techniques for the determination of 69 element contents. Multivariate analysis was applied for the extraction of dominant geochemical markers. The lithogenic distribution was simplified to six dominant geochemical markers: F1: Ga-Nb-Ta-Y-(La-Gd)-(Eu-Lu); F2: Be-Cr-Li-Mg-Ni; F3: Ag-Bi-Cd-Cu-In-Mn-Pb-Sb-Te-W-Zn; F4: Ba-Cs-Hf-Pd-Rb-Sr-Tl-Zr; F5: As-Co-Ge-V; and F6: К-Na-Sc-Ti. The anthropogenic effects on the air pollution were marked by a dominance of F3 and secondary dominance of F5. The fifth factor also was determined as a lithogenic marker for the occurrence of the very old Rifeous shales. The first factor also presents a very unique association that despite the heterogeneity relays on natural phenomena of tracking the deposition in areas of Proterosoic gneisses; related to the distribution of fine particles was associated with carbonate-silicate volcanic rocks. Intensive poly-metallic dust depositions were recorded only in the surroundings of localities where the hydrothermal extractions are implemented. Long-term deposition can be considered as pollution indexes for these hot spots. This mainly affects the Cd, Pb, and Zn deposition that is as high as 25, 3900, and 3200 mg/kg, respectively.

Assessing temporal trends of trace metal concentrations in mosses over France between 1996 and 2011: A flexible and robust method to account for heterogeneous sampling strategies

Air quality biomonitoring has been successfully assessed using mosses for decades in Europe, particularly regarding heavy metals (HM). Assessing robust temporal variations of HM concentrations in mosses requires to better understand to what extent they are affected by the sampling protocol and the moss species. This study used the concentrations of 14 elements measured during four surveys over 15 years in France. Analyses of variance (ANOVA) and a modeling approach were used to decipher temporal variations for each element and adjust them with parameters known to affect concentrations. ANOVA followed by post hoc analyses did not allow to estimate clear trends. A generalized additive mixed modeling approach including the sampling period, the collector and the moss species, plus quadratic effects, was used to analyze temporal variations on repeated sampling sites. This approach highlighted the importance of accounting for non-linear temporal variations in HM, and adjusting for confounding factors such as moss species, species-specific differences between sampling periods, collector and methodological differences in sampling campaigns. For instance, lead concentrations in mosses decreased between 1996 and 2011 following quadratic functions, with faster declines for the most contaminated sites in 1996. On the other hand, other HM showed double trends with U-shaped or hill-shaped curves. The effect of the moss was complex to handle and our results advocate for using one moss species by repeated site to better analyze temporal variations.

Multivariate extraction of dominant geochemical markers for deposition of 69 elements in the Bregalnica River basin, Republic of Macedonia (moss biomonitoring)

Atmospheric deposition was investigated using the terrestrial moss species Hypnum cupressiforme (Hedw.) and Homolothecium lutescens (Hedw.) in the Bregalnica River basin, Republic of Macedonia. Long-term emission occurs in this area due to the hydrothermal exploitation of Pb-Zn deposits (Sasa and Zletovo mines) and copper ore exploitation and floatation (Bučim mine). Determination of the chemical elements was conducted using atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-AES) and mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). A combination of multivariate techniques (PCA, FA and CA) was applied for data processing and identification of element association with lithogenic/anthropogenic origin. Seven dominant factors were extracted from the total of 69 analysed elements. Spatial distribution maps were constructed for the determination and localisation of smaller areas with higher contents of certain anthropogenic elements. In this way, the influences of selected human activities on local air pollution can be determined. The summarised data show quantification of the element distributions. This not only allows the determination of the distribution of hazardous elements but also presents complete characterisation of element deposition in the environs of mines.

Spatially valid data of atmospheric deposition of heavy metals and nitrogen derived by moss surveys for pollution risk assessments of ecosystems

For analysing element input into ecosystems and associated risks due to atmospheric deposition, element concentrations in moss provide complementary and time-integrated data at high spatial resolution every 5 years since 1990. The paper reviews (1) minimum sample sizes needed for reliable, statistical estimation of mean values at four different spatial scales (European and national level as well as landscape-specific level covering Europe and single countries); (2) trends of heavy metal (HM) and nitrogen (N) concentrations in moss in Europe (1990-2010); (3) correlations between concentrations of HM in moss and soil specimens collected across Norway (1990-2010); and (4) canopy drip-induced site-specific variation of N concentration in moss sampled in seven European countries (1990-2013). While the minimum sample sizes on the European and national level were achieved without exception, for some ecological land classes and elements, the coverage with sampling sites should be improved. The decline in emission and subsequent atmospheric deposition of HM across Europe has resulted in decreasing HM concentrations in moss between 1990 and 2010. In contrast, hardly any changes were observed for N in moss between 2005, when N was included into the survey for the first time, and 2010. In Norway, both, the moss and the soil survey data sets, were correlated, indicating a decrease of HM concentrations in moss and soil. At the site level, the average N deposition inside of forests was almost three times higher than the average N deposition outside of forests.

Geogenic and Anthropogenic Moss Responsiveness to Element Distribution Around a Pb-Zn Mine, Toranica, Republic of Macedonia

Moss species (Homalothecium lutescens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Brachythecium glareosum, and Campthotecium lutescens) were used as suitable sampling media for biomonitoring the origin of heavy-metal pollution in the lead-zinc (Pb-Zn) mine "Toranica" near the Kriva Palanka town, Eastern Macedonia. The contents of 20 elements-silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), lithium (Li), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), nickel (Ni), Pb, strontium (Sr), vanadium (V), and (Zn) were determined by atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. Data processing was applied with combinations of multivariate statistical methods: factor analysis, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis. Moss' responsiveness to the atmospheric distribution of the selected elements was investigated in correlation to the specific geology of the region (soil dusting). Lithogenic distribution was characterized with the distribution of three dominant geochemical associations: F1: Al-Li-V-Cr-Ni-Co, F2: Ba-Ca-Sr, and F3: Cd-Zn-Pb-Cu. Spatial distribution was constructed for visualization of the factor deposition. Furthermore, air distribution (passive biomonitoring) versus soil geochemistry of the analyzed elements was examined. Significant correlations were singled out for Pb, Zn, and Cd and for Mg(moss)/Na(soil). Characteristic lithological anomaly characterized the presence of the oldest geological volcanic rocks. Zone 1 (Pb-Zn mine surrounding) presents a unique area with hydrothermal action of Pb-Zn mineralization leading to polymetallic enrichments in soil. This phenomenon strongly affects the environment, which is a natural geochemical imprint in this unique area (described with the strong dominance of the geochemical association Cd-Zn-Pb-Cu).