Abstract
Atmospheric distribution of metals was evaluated throughout the Garhwal Hills region of Uttaranchal, India by analysis of native moss species, Rhodobryum giganteum and Hypnum cupressiforme. The performance of these two mosses as biomonitors was studied in relation to the accumulation of atmophile elements. The elements Cd, Zn, Cu and Pb were surveyed at 33 sampling sites by conducting a passive monitoring technique using these mosses. Sampling was carried out from March 2004 to February 2005 for three different seasons (summer, monsoon and winter) in four directions nearly equidistant from a control site (Chamba Forest) where the moss samples were originally collected. Bioaccumulative ability in these two mosses was evaluated statistically using Dunkun’s Multiple Range test. Results indicate that summer has a significantly higher concentration of the metals Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd than winter and monsoon. Similarly, significant distance and seasonal differences were calculated and are presented on contour maps. The novel aspect of this study is that it actually delivered any information at all on atmospheric deposition in India and Asia, where very limited information is available in this field. Therefore, this finding is a gap filling one.
Highlights
The presence of elements in ecosystem is due to both natural and anthropogenic causes, while increased the overall concentration of elements in the environment (Bargagli, 1998)
A number of studies have shown the ability of bryophytes to intercept, retain and accumulate pollutants, including metals. It is well-documented that mosses obtain most of their nutrients via atmospheric deposition; the elements present in their tissues may reflect the presence of elements in the atmosphere
Rhodobryum giganteum Zinc: The control values of zinc at the end of different seasons in harvested moss branches were measured at 42.506 ppm in summer, 22.191 ppm in monsoon and 25.901 ppm in winter season
Summary
The presence of elements in ecosystem is due to both natural and anthropogenic causes, while increased the overall concentration of elements in the environment (Bargagli, 1998). A number of studies have shown the ability of bryophytes to intercept, retain and accumulate pollutants, including metals. It is well-documented that mosses obtain most of their nutrients via atmospheric deposition; the elements present in their tissues may reflect the presence of elements in the atmosphere. The mosses Rhodobryum giganteum and Hypnum cupressiforme were collected together at 33 sampling stations in order to draw a reliable pollution map of the study area. These locations were where instrument recording was impossible, or at best very difficult, to conduct
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