Abstract
The moss Barbula constricta J. Linn. was used as an active bio-monitor for estimation of atmospheric metal deposition and its seasonal trend to assess the metal (Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd) status of Mussoorie city and its adjoining areas. Moss transplants were exposed for four months, each period representing winter, summer and monsoon season data at the distances of 0.5, 1.0 and 3.0 km during 2003 to 2007. Significantly higher levels of Zn, Pb, and Cu were measured in the moss harvested at the end of each season. The values of metals at different distances from the city center were higher than in the background samples treated as control. Patterns of moss analysis for seasonal and annual metal data were closely identical. Values of metals were the highest during summer followed by winter, and the lowest in monsoon. It was found that an increase recorded in the sampling sites in the past 5 years could be due to the rapid economic development and the manifold increase in tourist activities. Results from the present moss surveys make the examination of both spatial and temporal trends of metals possible, and also confirm the validity of moss B. constricta J. Linn. as a reliable bio-monitor, and recommend it for the bio-mapping program. Data from existing surveys of metal concentrations in moss is filling a gap due to very limited information available in this field. In addition, it is an invaluable resource for policy makers in preparing the strategies for mitigation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.erem.67.1.1750
Highlights
Assessment of environmental metal pollutants and the menace they pose to the whole ecosystem have been a vital challenge to the environmental sciences
The suitability of mosses to monitor atmospheric deposition has been recognized since the early investigations in northern Europe (Ruhling & Tyler, 1968; 1973)
Climatic factors could modify the effects of metals and should be taken into consideration in bio-monitoring surveys
Summary
Assessment of environmental metal pollutants and the menace they pose to the whole ecosystem have been a vital challenge to the environmental sciences. Bio-indication and bio-monitoring of metals by moss have proven to be excellent and cheap ways to observe impacts of external factors (Markert et al, 2003) Bryophytes, due to their morphological and physiological constitution, are indispensable tools within the field of monitoring air pollution, as they lack a true root system, the intake of water, nutrients, and toxic substances occurs predominantly via atmospheric deposition (Genoni, 2000; Carballeira & Fernandez, 2002; Culicov et al, 2002) through the outer surface. Their reaction to changes in the environment is quick and more direct than that of the majority of vascular plants due to their thick and waxy cuticle. Due to uptake mechanisms of these substances, a correlation between input and concentration is permitted and determination of the
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