Moss Bag Technique Research Articles

Moss biomonitoring in areas affected by ashfalls of Shiveluch volcano (Kamchatka).

The moss bag technique was applied on Kamchatka to assess the effect of Shiveluch volcano on the air quality. Moss bags were exposed in settlements located at different distances from the volcano and affected by ashfall to varying degrees. The inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry was used for the determination of the content of Al, Ba, Co, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, P, Pb, Sr, S, V, and Zn in both exposed and unexposed moss samples. Relative accumulation factor revealed enrichment of mosses exposed in the area affected by ashfall with Al, Cr, V, and Zn. Correlation and principal component analysis allowed to identify elements of volcanogenic, geogenic, and anthropogenic origin. Ecological risk values less than 150 indicate low potential ecological risk in the region. Active moss biomonitoring can be considered a cheap and efficient tool for in-depth study of the influence of volcanic activity on air quality on the peninsula.

Bioconcentration capacity of moss Leskea angustata Tayl., for heavy metals and its application in the atmospheric biomonitoring of a metropolitan area

In this work, the bioconcentration capacity of heavy metals Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in the moss Leskea angustata Tayl., exposed under laboratory conditions was evaluated, and subsequently the usefulness of moss for the heavy metals' biomonitoring associated with suspended particulate matter in air of the Toluca Valley Metropolitan Area was determined by means of the moss bag technique. To achieve the aims, bioassays were carried out in the laboratory with the moss, the exposure for a period of 6 months of the moss bags in the sites of the Automatic Atmospheric Monitoring Network of the Government of the State of Mexico and their subsequent analysis through of elemental and structural characterization techniques. The results of the bioassays on the moss L. angustata, demonstrate that this moss has adequate bioconcentration capabilities to be used as a biomonitor of heavy metals in polluted areas. The structural characterization of the moss L. angustata, shows that this moss has good adsorption characteristics (presence of functional groups, surface area of 19.87 m2 g−1, average pore diameter equal to 2.86 nm and a total pore volume of 0.014218 cm3 g−1). The significant correlations between Cd–Zn–Pb and between Pb and Zn with PM2.5, as well as a strong correlation between Pb and Zn with PM10, allow us to establish that these three metals have their main origin in the domestic combustion of wood and liquid petroleum gas (LP gas), as well as emissions from agricultural burning in the study area. Cu has a different origin than other metals and PM10 and PM2.5. The findings demonstrate a strong association between anthropogenic activities - such as domestic wood and LP gas combustion, agricultural burning emissions, vehicular emissions, tire wear, and industrial activities - and the detection, entrapment, and accumulation of several heavy metals by L. angustata moss.

Photosynthesis-related Parameters in Leucobryum aduncum Moss Bags as Bioindicators of Environmental Stress Caused by Road Traffic

The physiological response in moss samples is often used as an early warning signal of environmental stress caused by air pollution. This study aimed to test the efficiency of photosynthesis-related parameters in Leucobryum aduncum moss bags as bioindicators of environmental stress related to road traffic. The moss samples were collected and prepared in a relatively unpolluted area and then transplanted at 7 sites in forested, rural, and urban areas. The moss samples were picked up after being exposed for 1 and 3 months for physiological measurements. The results showed that the average values of all physiological parameters were highest in the forested area and lowest in the urban area. All parameters at most roadside (R site) sites were lower or significantly lower than those at the site away from the road (A site). This was particularly true for the 3-month exposure period, suggesting that the length of exposure should be longer than 1 month, but exposure up to 3 months could fully damage the photosystem II (PSII) and destroy the moss bags. The vitality index (VI) also clearly indicated that the moss bags were more affected in the urban area, at the R sites, and at the 3-month exposure. Among all six parameters, the most susceptible parameter was the chlorophyll fluorescence parameter (Fv/Fm), followed by the total carotenoids, chlorophyll a, total chlorophylls, chlorophyll b, and chlorophyll a degradation (OD435/OD415). The moss bag technique used in this study did not negatively affect the studied physiological parameters, but a great elevation difference could affect the moss bag physiology. This study illustrated that the photosynthesis-related parameters of L. aduncum moss bags can be used as effective bioindicators of environmental stress caused by road traffic. This study is among the priority studies of moss bioindication of air pollution in Thailand and can pave the way for future studies.

Assessment of Air Pollution in Ulaanbaatar Using the Moss Bag Technique.

Active moss biomonitoring, the so-called moss bag technique, widely applied in many countries, for the first time, was applied to assess the air quality in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia). Moss bags with Sphagnum girgensohnii Russow were exposed in triplicate in three different periods: December-February, March-May, and December-May at 13 governmental air quality monitoring stations located in the vicinity of thermal power plants and residential areas. The plant tissue content of Al, Ba, Co, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, P, Pb, Sr, S, V, As, and Zn was determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry, and a direct mercury analyzer was used to determine the Hg content. The samples in residential areas and near thermal power plants that were exposed for 3months in winter and for 6months (winter to spring) were characterized by the highest accumulation of the elements. In the moss bags exposed during spring, maximum accumulation of the determined elements was noted in residential areas and near main roads. Regardless of the exposure time and duration, the highest accumulation of Al, Fe, and V was determined at Dambadarjaa air quality station located near a highway and of Hg near the Amgalan power plant. Significant differences in element accumulation between seasons were observed, thus, the accumulation of Al, Ba, As, Co, Cr, Fe, Pb, V, and Zn was higher in spring, while P and S had higher content in the moss samples exposed during winter. The accumulation of elements over the 6-month exposure period was 1.1-6.7 times higher than that of the 3-month periods. Thus, the 6-month exposure can be considered a reliable deployment period as it ensures an adequate signal in terms of enrichment of pollutants. Factor analysis was applied to highlight the association of elements and to link them with possible sources of emission. Three factors were determined, the first one included Al, As, Ba, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Pb, Sr, and V and was identified as a geogenic-anthropogenic, the second (Cu, P, and S) and third (Cd and Zn) factors suggested anthropogenic origin. The Relative accumulation factor and enrichment factor were calculated to evaluate the level of air pollution and possible element sources. Considerable contributors to air pollution were Zn, Fe, As, V, Cr, and Al, which may originate from airborne soil particles of crustal matter or transport, as well as coal combustion for heating and cooking.

Active moss biomonitoring of airborne potentially toxic elements in recreational areas of Moscow.

Active biomonitoring using the moss bag technique was applied to examine the atmospheric deposition of potentially toxic and other elements in recreational areas of Moscow. Moss bags with Sphagnum girgensohnii were placed in the territory of seven parks (Losiny Ostrov, Victory Park, Ostankino, Sokolniki, Izmailovo, Kuzminki-Lyublino, Tsaritsyno) at three locations in each park from June to September 2018. The content of 32 chemical elements: Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, As, Br, Rb, Sr, Mo, Sb, Cs, Ba, La, Sm, Tb, Hf, Ta, W, Au, Th, U, Cu, Pb, and Cd in moss samples was determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry. After a 3-month exposure period, high uptake of Sb, U, Th, Sm, La, Mo, Zn, Co, Fe, V, Sc, etc. was observed in some of the moss samples. The physiologically active elements Cl and K and alkaline elements Rb and Cs were depleted from the moss tissue during the exposure. The high accumulation of Zn, Pb, Cu, Co, V, and Sb in moss samples evidenced an anthropogenic impact on the parks, mainly associated with road traffic. To determine the level of pollution, a set of environmental indices was calculated: contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), total pollution index (TPI), and relative accumulation factor (RAF). The highest RAF values were obtained for Sb on the territory of all parks. According to EF, the samples were enriched in Al, Fe, U, Pb, Cd, Au, Sb, Th, and Ta. High CF values were obtained for sites in Losiny Ostrov, Izmailovo, Tsaritsyno, and Kuzminki-Lyublino located close to roads. According to TPI, the level of air pollution on the territory of the abovementioned parks varied from moderate to high. To identify the major sources of pollution, correlation analysis and principal component analysis were applied.

Another one bites the dust – Two street canyons studied with magnetic biomonitoring and OSPM modelling

Urban areas form a mosaic of microenvironments and structures, such as street canyons that are susceptible to elevated levels of traffic related pollutants. Street canyons are a relevant topic in air quality research and modelling since they are prone to reduced natural ventilation and when exposed to increased traffic emissions, can pose a serious risk to public health. We applied magnetic biomonitoring using moss bags to evaluate the quality of Operational Street Pollution Model (OSPM) and to study vertical distribution of modelled particulate matter (PM), magnetic PM and heavy metal pollution in a street canyon in Turku and Helsinki, Finland. Moss bags were attached on opposite sides of the streets at 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-m heights for 44 days in late autumn. Samples were analysed for mass-specific magnetic susceptibility (χ), hysteresis parameters and elemental components. High χ values and elemental concentrations of Fe, Al, Ti, Zn, Mn, Cu and Ba were found in both street canyons. Compared to measurements with airborne magnetic PM, the OSPM model underestimated the difference in PM concentrations between the opposite street canyon faces and overestimated the dilution of PM concentrations with altitude. In Turku the results between the OSPM model and magnetic measurements were incompatible. We suspect this is due to meteorological model input data from a distant weather station, street canyon features and a high slope angle contributing to non-uniform emissions in the street canyon. We demonstrate that the moss bag technique is a versatile tool to understand the small-scale variations of concentrations in a variety of complex urban environments.

Assessment of the air quality in an industrial zone using active moss biomonitoring

The study aimed to evaluate the level of air contamination in the area around the Kosogorsky industrial enterprise in Tula, Russia, in the winter of 2021/2022. For the study, Pleurozium schreberi, Sphagnum fallax, and Dicranum polysetum mosses were used for the first time in the 3-month active biomonitoring (moss-bag technique). Heavy metals elements (Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. In addition, mercury concentrations were determined with an AMA254 apparatus. The study's results for Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Hg confirm the statistical significance of the species' effect on the accumulation of these elements. Values of relative accumulation factor (RAF) > 1.00 at selected measurement points indicate that the site is contaminated as a result of industrial activities (mainly Mn and Fe). Wind direction influenced moss contamination at selected measurement points, which was confirmed by cluster analysis. In the future, long-term or different seasons biomonitoring studies should be conducted in this area.

Moss-bag technique as an approach to monitor elemental concentration indoors

The moss-bag technique has been used for many decades to monitor outdoor pollution. More recently, however, the method has been used to monitor indoor air pollution (IAP), as humans spend the majority of their time indoors. The purpose of the research conducted was to evaluate indoor air pollution using active moss biomonitoring. Pleurozium schreberi moss bags were exposed for two seasons (summer and winter), hanging over tile stoves and coal stoves. The selected elements: Al, Cu, Cd, Co, Pb, Zn, V, Ba, Cr, Fe, Mn, Sr, P, Ni, and S were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and, for Hg, by a direct mercury analyzer. The study found the exposure season affected the concentrations of selected elements in 62.5% of cases, and their source was identified. The average concentrations of Co, Ba, Cr, and Sr were higher, and statistically significant, in winter, after a 12-week exposure period of the mosses, regardless of the type of heating or cooking stove owned. The higher phosphorus concentrations obtained in summer indicate physiological stress caused by unfavorable winter exposure conditions. In the future, the number of species used to assess indoor air pollution should be increased and the range of pollutants expanded, along with the identification of their sources, taking residents’ lifestyles into account.

Biomonitoring Atmospheric Pollution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Using Mosses

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as the main components of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs), are carcinogenic organic pollutants that occur widely in the atmospheric environment with increasing concentration. Moreover, PAHs are widespread all over the world due to their high volatility and long-range transport potential. The monitoring of atmospheric PAHs is often limited by working conditions, especially around oil field operation areas and other industrial areas. Mosses (Bryophyta), the most sensitive atmosphere pollution indicators, can be easily collected and have been used to monitor atmospheric pollutants including PAHs. Thus, characteristics and influencing factors of mosses’ absorption and accumulation of PAHs in the atmosphere were discussed, and the application of mosses in the biomonitoring of atmospheric PAHs were summarized. Biomonitoring mosses include Dicranum scoparium, Hypnum cupressiforme, Thamnobryum alopecurum, Thuidium tamariscinum, Hylocomium splendens, Pleurozium scheberi, etc. Currently, the main methods for monitoring PAHs by mosses are biomonitoring with the chemical analysis method, the index of atmospheric purity (IAP) method, the ecological survey method, and the Moss-bag technique. Biomonitoring of atmospheric PAHs using mosses has a relatively wide range of prospects.

Is Active Moss Biomonitoring Comparable to Air Filter Standard Sampling?

Recently, significant attention has been paid to air quality awareness and its impact on human health, especially in urban agglomerations. Many types of dust samplers for air quality monitoring are used by governmental environmental monitoring agencies. However, these techniques are associated with high costs; as a consequence, biological methods such as active moss biomonitoring are being developed. The main disadvantages of such techniques are the lack of standardization of the preparation procedures and the lack of reliable comparisons of results with data from instrumental analyses. Our study aimed to compare the results obtained from active biomonitoring with the use of three moss species: Pleurozium schreberi, Sphagnum fallax and Dicranum polysetum. Samples were exposed via the moss-bag technique to measure the concentrations of analytes (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg and Pb) which had accumulated among the total suspended particulates (TSP) collected from the filters of a dust collector in the city of Opole (Opole voivodeship, Poland). With regard to the physicochemical and biological traits of the mosses, their assessed lifetime and actual photochemical efficiency (yield) following exposure were meagre, which may have been related to the change of environment and their exposure to pollutants. When comparing the results obtained by the two methods used to monitor air pollution, the biomonitoring method was found to be incompletely consistent with the reference method. Biological monitoring using mosses must be carefully considered depending on the monitoring objectives, the required level of sensitivity and quality of measurement and the type of pollutant.

Comparison of Exposure Techniques and Vitality Assessment of Mosses in Active Biomonitoring for Their Suitability in Assessing Heavy Metal Pollution in Atmospheric Aerosol.

The most widespread and used technique is the moss-bag method in active biomonitoring of air pollution using mosses. In the literature, we can find various studies on the standardization of this method, including attempts to standardize treatments and preparation procedures for their universal application. Few works comprehensively focus on other methods or compare other techniques used in active biomonitoring with mosses, especially including measurements of their vital parameters. Our experiment aimed to assess air pollution by selected heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Mn, Fe, and Hg) using three moss species (Pleurozium schreberi, Sphagnum fallax, and Dicranum polysetum) during a 12-week exposure in an urban area. Mosses were exposed simultaneously using four techniques: moss bag in three variants (exposed to air for total deposition of heavy metals, exposed to air for only dry deposition, and sheltered from the wind) and transplants in boxes. Increases in heavy metal concentrations in mosses were determined using the relative accumulation factor (RAF). The actual quantum yield of photosystem II photochemical was also analyzed as the main vitality parameter. The results indicate that all moss species during the changing environmental conditions survived and retained their vitality, although it decreased by >50% during the exposure. The best biomonitor was the moss P. schreberi, whose RAF increments were the highest throughout the study period for the majority of elements. The moss-bag technique had a statistically significant effect (almost 40%) on the concentration value of a given metal for a certain species, and thus it is the most recommended technique that can be applied in air quality monitoring in urban areas. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1429-1438. © 2022 SETAC.

Biomonitoring of Heavy Metal Air Pollution in Warsaw Using Two Moss Species Pleurozium schreberi and Sphagnum palustre

The aim of the study was to assess air pollution with heavy metals in Warsaw, on the basis of the concentrations of selected elements in moss samples. The active biomonitoring method (moss-bag technique) was applied using two moss species Pleurozium schreberi and Sphagnum palustre. Moss samples were collected in the Kampinos National Park, and the prepared moss bags were distributed and exposed on seven sites in Warsaw. The analysis of metals accumulated in mosses was performed twice in 2020, after two (August-September) and four months (August-November) of exposure. The concentrations of seven heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, Fe, Cd and Zn) in the mosses were determined, using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP OES). Our results showed a clear dependence of heavy metal accumulation in the mosses on the location of the exposition site and the exposure period. Both species of mosses were found to accumulate the most metals in the vicinity of pollutant emitters, such as the ArcelorMittal Warsaw smelter, exit roads or roads in the city with heavy traffic, petrol stations, or construction works. After 4 months of exposure, in both moss species, the highest increases in the concentrations were found for four elements: Cr, Pb, Ni and Cd. Higher concentrations of some heavy metals in the mosses in 2020, as compared to previous studies, indicate a negative influence of progressing urbanisation on air pollution in Warsaw.

The Application of Active Biomonitoring with the Use of Mosses to Identify Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in an Atmospheric Aerosol.

The use of biological indicators of environmental quality is an alternative method of monitoring ecosystem pollution. Various groups of contaminants, including organic ones, can be measured in environmental samples. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have not yet been determined by the moss bag technique. This technique uses several moss species simultaneously in urban areas to select the best biomonitoring of these compounds, which are dangerous to humans and the environment. In this research, a gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was used for the determination of selected PAHs in three species of mosses: Pleurozium schreberi, Sphagnum fallax and Dicranum polysetum (active biomonitoring) and for comparison using an air filter reference method for atmospheric aerosol monitoring. The chlorophyll fluorescence of photosystem II (PSII) was also measured to assess changes in moss viability during the study. As a result of the study, the selective accumulation of selected PAHs by mosses was found, with Pleurozium schreberi being the best bioindicator—9 out of 13 PAHs compounds were determined in this species. The photosynthetic yield of photosystem (II) decreased by 81% during the exposure time. The relationship between PAHs concentrations in mosses and the total suspended particles (TSP) on the filter indicated the possibility of using this bioindicator to trace PAHs in urban areas and to apply the moss bag technique as a method supporting classical instrumental air monitoring.

Is Your Moss Alive during Active Biomonitoring Study?

Biomonitoring was proposed to assess the condition of living organisms or entire ecosystems with the use of bioindicators—species sensitive to specific pollutants. It is important that the bioindicator species remains alive for as long as possible while retaining the ability to react to the negative effects of pollution (elimination/neutralization of hazardous contaminants). The purpose of the study was to assess the survival of Pleurozium schreberi moss during exposure (moss-bag technique) based on the measurement of the concentration of elements (Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb), chlorophyll content, and its fluorescence. The study was carried out using a CCM-300 portable chlorophyll content meter, portable fluorometer, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, and a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. As a result of the laboratory tests, no significant differences were found in the chlorophyll content in the gametophytes of mosses tested immediately after collection from the forest, compared to those drying at room temperature in the laboratory (p = 0.175 for Student’s t-test results). Mosses exposed using the moss-bag technique of active biomonitoring were characterized by a drop in the chlorophyll content over 12 weeks (more than 50% and 60% for chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b, respectively). Chlorophyll content in mosses during exposure was correlated with actual photochemical efficiency (yield) of photosystem II (calculated value of Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient was 0.94—there was a significant correlation between chlorophyll a and yield p = 0.02). The highest metal increases in mosses (RAF values) were observed for zinc, lead, and copper after the second and third month of exposure. The article demonstrates that the moss exposed in an urbanized area for a period of three months maintains the properties of good bioindicator of environmental quality.

Assessment of selected rare earth elements, HF, Th, and U in the Donetsk region using moss bags technique

To assess the accumulation of rare earth elements, Hf, Zr, Th, and U in moss species the active moss biomonitoring technique was applied in the Donetsk region. Moss bags with the Ceratodon purpureus and Brachythecium campestre species were exposed for six months in the surroundings of two parks, two steelworks, and a power station. The concentrations of 12 elements (Sc, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Tb, Yb, Eu, Hf, Zr, Th and U) were determined in the moss transplants by neutron activation analysis. The degree of ambient contamination has been studied using the relative accumulation factor, contamination factor, pollution load index and enrichment factor. Geochemical indices – ternary plot of Sc–La–Th, ratios of normalized concentrations of light rare earth elements and heavy rare earth elements, possible anomalies of Eu, and chondrite normalized rare earth element curves were used to prove the geochemical origin of rare earth elements. The chondrite-normalized rare earth element patterns of both moss species showed light rare earth elements enrichment and a negative Eu anomaly.

Comparison of moss bag and native moss technique in monitoring airborne particulate and toxic elements

Introduction: In Vietnam, the government has invested in monitoring stations in a few big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which have transportation centers and industrial zones, to assess and predict levels of air pollution. However, the main disadvantage of installing monitoring stations is the cost of investment for operations, maintenance, and equipment. It is also time-consuming to collect and analyze the results. Therefore, it is generally not suitable for the country as a whole.
 Methods: Using mosses to monitor air quality brings qualitative and quantitative data with simple, environmentally-friendly economic methods. Mosses have particular biological characteristics that make them very suitable adsorbents for a wide variety of chemical elements. When used as transplants like moss bags, allow them to monitor a highly dense sampling network of any site easily. Mosses are bioindicators, plants with artificial roots.
 Results: In this study, moss bag and native moss were the two methods used to evaluate the accumulation of trace elements in air through Barbula Indica. Observations showed that both methods could detect the same elements: Al, Si, P, S, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Y, Sb, Ba, Pb, and U. However, the accumulation of the elements in native moss is higher than in moss bag. The main reason is that the absorption efficiency of native moss in air-deposited elements is higher than in moss bags.
 Conclusion: Moss bags have been used most extensively and successfully in urban areas, where vegetation samples are either unobtainable or are poorly located to the source. These areas can lack moss, or the native moss simply does not grow during the dry season.

Comparison of Spider Web and Moss Bag Biomonitoring to Detect Sources of Airborne Trace Elements

Atmospheric particulate matter has become a major issue in urban areas from both a health and an environmental perspective. In this context, biomonitoring methods are a potential complement to classical monitoring methods like impactor samplers, being spatially limited due to higher costs. Monitoring using spider webs is compared with the more common moss bag technique in this study, focusing on mass fractions and ratios of elements and the applicability for source identification. Spider webs and moss bags with Hypnum cupressiforme were sampled at the same 15 locations with different types of traffic in the city of Jena, Germany. In the samples, mass fractions of 35 elements, mainly trace metals, were determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after aqua regia digestion. Significantly higher mass fractions in spider webs than in moss bags were found, even after a much shorter exposure period, and could not be ascribed completely to a diluting effect by the biological material in the samples. Different mechanisms of particle retention by the two materials are therefore assumed. More significant correlations between elements have been found for the spider web dataset. Those patterns allow for an identification of different sources of particulate matter (e.g. geogenic dust, brake wear), while correlations between elements in the moss bags show a rather general anthropogenic influence. Therefore, it is recommended to use spider webs for the short-term detection of local sources while moss bag biomonitoring is a good tool to show a broader, long-term anthropogenic influence.

Environmental pollution influence to soil-plant-air system in organic vineyard: bioavailability, environmental, and health risk assessment.

This study was performed in organic vineyard to assess integrated pollution in soil-plant-air system by potentially toxic elements (PTE). Concentrations of 26 PTE were determined in soil, grapevine, and air biomonitors (moss bags) using ICP-OES and ICP-MS. Environmental implication assessment of soil did not show pollution by PTE, except for B in samples collected in the middle of grapevine season (July). Despite low total Cd concentrations in soil, it has the highest influence on increase of environmental risk. Based on biological accumulation concentration (BAC), grapevine is not hyperaccumulator of PTE from soil. Advanced classification algorithm, Kohonen self-organizing map (SOM), was applied to compare environmental implications in organic with conventional vineyards. PTE concentrations were significantly lower in organic than conventional grapevine. PTE concentrations were higher in the outer (leaf and petiole) than in the inner grapevine parts (skin, pulp, and seed). Some airborne elements have an influence on outer grapevine parts, especially on leaves (ratio factor-RF > 1). Moss bag technique testified about lower enrichment of airborne elements compared with the conventional vineyard and urban microenvironments. Environmental and health risk assessments confirmed that organic production is harmless for field workers and grape consumers.

Active Moss Biomonitoring Using the “Moss Bag Technique” in the Park of Moscow

Quality control of atmospheric air is a priority topic for monitoring the environment. There is a great need for rapid and cost-effective control of atmospheric pollution. The protected and park zones play a recreational role, therefore the assessment of air quality in this area is especially important. For the first time active biomonitoring (moss bags technique) was applied in Moscow, at the state museum-reserve Tsaritsyno. As a bioindicator the moss Sphagnum girgensohnii was chosen. This species was collected in a pristine wetland area Domkino Bay, near Dubna, Russia. S. girgensohnii was bagged and exhibited at three locations of Tsaritsyno from June to September of 2017. The goal of this pilot study was to assess air pollution with trace elements from potential pollution sources in Moscow. A total of 32 chemical elements: Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Se, As, Br, Rb, Mo, Sr, Sb, Ba, Cs, La, Sm, Tb, Ce, Hf, Ta, W, Th, and U were determined in the exposed samples by neutron activation analysis at the reactor IBR-2 of FLNP, JINR, and three environmentally meaningful elements: Pb, Cu, and Cd were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry in the same laboratory. Obtained results showed increase of the concentration of elements considered as environmental pollutants, Sb, Cr, V, etc., in moss samples exposed at different sites in Tsaritsyno park, which requires attention from the Moscow authorities. Sphagnum girgensohnii proved to be a cheap and efficient tool to assess heavy metal pollution in urban area.

The effect of “moss bag” shape in the air monitoring of metal(oid)s in semi-arid sites: Influence of wind speed and moss porosity

The moss bag technique has been widely used in Europe for the monitoring of metal(oid)s in the air. However, the effect of moss bag shape and moss porosity in the capture and retention of metal(oid)s linked to particulate matter (PM) has not been studied in detail. The objective of the study was to compare the capture of metal(oid)s in air between two shapes of moss bag, rounded bag (traditional shape) and semi-sphere bag. The factors and methods considered were i) wind speed and porosity characteristics of the medium (moss-matrix), evaluated by modeling and simulations in 3D with the COMSOL™ platform, and ii) net accumulations (NE) of Cu, Fe, Al, Zn, Sb, Ba and Pb with the moss bag technique. Exposure period was 30 days (August to November) in two districts of Santiago de Chile (Las Condes and Ñuñoa). Results revealed that i) semi-sphere bag had a greater accumulation by sedimentation of PM (>2.5 μm), mainly in its upper zone, with the most effective (average) porosity range for the capture and retention of PM being 0.45 to 0.7, and ii) the semi-sphere moss bag had higher NE for Al, Zn, Sb and Pb and lower coefficients of variation for Fe, Al, Pb, Ba and Cu. Our results show that in high wind speeds events, the shape of the moss bag can determine PM retention.