Abstract
In a national survey in Slovenia, two biomonitors, the epiphytic lichen Hypogymnia physodes and the terrestrial moss Hypnum cupressiforme, were analysed for 210 Pb and 137 Cs. Further, the results for 210 Pb were compared with outdoor 222 Rn and with precipitation data. 210 Pb activity concentrations in moss carpets and lichen thalli ranged between 180-2450 and 200-1990 Bq kg -1 , respectively. 210 Pb showed similar spatial distributions in the two biomonitors with the highest levels in north-western and southern parts of the country, with a strong gradient to the eastern part, reflecting the movement of global air masses and the amount of precipitation. Increased 222 Rn concentrations over carbonate rocks were not reflected in lichen and moss 210 Pb levels. 137 Cs activity concentrations in lichens and mosses in the ranges 73-1400 and 49-600 Bq kg -1 , respectively, were obtained. There was a relatively good agreement between the two biomonitors, with the highest values in the northern part of the country.
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