Cross Border Responce of Mosses to Atmospheric Deposition of 10 Elements in Southwestern Bulgaria and Eastern Fyrom

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study aims at first cross-border assessing of 10 heavy metals and toxic elements accumulation in the tissues of moss Hypnum cupressiforme reflecting wet and dry atmospheric deposition during 3-years period in Southwestern Bulgaria and Eastern FYROM. It is a part of the Bulgarian participation in the European moss survey 2005/2006 (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe International Co-operative Programme on Effects of Air Pollution on Natural Vegetation and Crops). Moss samples were collected at the same time in Bulgaria and FYROM, in March 2006, just before the beginning of the vascular plants growing season. Concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn in 3-years parts of mosses were determined by ICP-AES method after wet digestion. Data obtained from 24 Bulgarian and 12 FYR Macedonian moss sites, covering in total almost 15 000 km2, showed different atmospheric deposition patterns for the period 2003–2005 particularly for Cd, Cr, Cu and Fe. The determined concentrations revealed no serious pollution by airborne heavy metals and toxic elements contaminants. None with proved statistical significant difference element, between Bulgarian and FYR Macedonian part, appeared in this first study. Obtained results showed that high concentrations of metals were around ore-fields, old mines, local industry and serpentine spots. No transboundary atmospheric pollution in the studied part of southeastern Europe was statistically proved.