A multivariate analysis of element concentrations in Sphagnum magellanicum Brid. in the Maritime Provinces, Canada

Abstract

The concentrations of 14 elements (Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, N, Na, Ni, Ph, S, Zn) were measured in Sphagnum magellanicum Brid. collected from 61 ombrotrophic bog sites in the Maritime Provinces, Canada. Principal component analysis was used to explain the variability in element concentrations in terms of underlying biological or source variables. Fifty percent of the elements and 77% of the variation measured can be accounted for by six principal components. Components relating to the physiological-nutritional status of the plants, and the sources of inputs for the most important elements were explained. It is suggested that concentration of K in Sphagnum magellanicum can be used as an indicator of plant nutritional status, and that concentrations of Na, Ni and Fe can be used as indicators of atmospheric inputs from sea salt aerosols, fossil fuel combustion, and natural crustal or soil-derived lithophile elements, respectively. Sulphur concentrations in S. magellanicum did not provide an accurate measure of long-range or local anthropogenic input.