Abstract
This study focuses on short-term monitoring of trace metals in the Svalbard archipelago. Short-term studies using lichen bioindicators are important because temporary changes in lichen trace metal levels are mainly dependent on air pollutants. Here, we investigated temporal and spatial differences in the content of trace metals such as Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn measured in the lichen thalli of <em>Cetrariella delisei</em>. The temporal aspect was studied in the marine plain of Calypsostranda between 1988 and 2016 and that of Hornsundneset between 1985 and 2008. The spatial aspect was studied between Hornsundneset in 1985 and Calypsostranda in 1988 as well as between Hornsundneset in 2008 and Calypsostranda in 2016. The results revealed an increase in the concentration of Cr, Mn, Ni, and Co for both the aspects, while a decrease in the contents of Cu, Cd, and Mo was observed. Pb content varied, as Pb level increased with time in Hornsundneset but decreased in Calypsostranda. The Zn content showed no significant changes in both temporal and spatial aspects.
Highlights
The distribution of trace metals among marine and terrestrial ecosystems in polar regions is dynamic and is thought to be driven by multiple synergic processes
Nine trace metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were investigated in terms of their contents in the thalli of C. delisei collected in Calypsostranda in 1988 and 2016 as well as in Hornsundneset in 1985 and 2008 (Fig. 2)
Studies concerning short-term trends in trace metal contents measured in lichens thalli have not been conducted in Svalbard
Summary
The distribution of trace metals among marine and terrestrial ecosystems in polar regions is dynamic and is thought to be driven by multiple synergic processes. The accumulation of trace metals may occur directly through atmospheric deposition [4,5] and indirectly through the influence of marine aerosols, windblown dust, and water from melting snow and glaciers [2,6,7,8,9,10]. Regardless of their origin, trace metals accumulate in terrestrial ecosystems in the substrate and are absorbed thereafter by vascular plants and bryophytes [11]. Given their ability to absorb pollutants from the air [12,13], lichens are widely used as bioindicators of trace metal pollution all over the world [1,8]
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