Bryomonitoring of Atmospheric Elements in Rhodobryum giganteum (Schwaegr.) Par., Growing in Uttarakhand Region of Indian Himalayas

Abstract

Mosses are useful biological indicators of environmental contamination for a variety of metals originated from natural and artificial sources. The research aims on recent changes in air quality and estimate the atmospheric metal deposition and its seasonal/annual trend by using passive biomonitoring technique. The level of Cu, Cd, Zn and Pb was estimated in samples of the Rhodobryum giganteum (Schwaegr.) Par., from Mukteshwar, Nainital, Almora and Pithoragarh of Kumaon and Chamba, Mussoorie, Dhanaulti and Kampty Fall of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India.The study considers the level and possible sources of atmospheric pollutants in catchment sites and their effect on naturally growing moss. The moss samples were collected from each season consist of fourth month i.e., winter, summer and monsoon from equi-distances during years 2008 to 2012. The high metal content was found at Nainital (Kumaon) and Mussoorie (Garhwal) due to heavy traffic activity.The results showed that the collected moss species was capable of successfully delineating the expected differences in atmospheric metal deposition within the study area. The metal deposition loads were recorded in the order of Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd during the five years study period. A general increasing metal deposition trend was also observed, i.e., annual average (over seasons) metal loads in 2012 increased when compared with their loads in 2008. Development is almost always accompanied with negative changes in air quality and adverse impacts of air pollution on human health, agricultural production and natural ecosystems that need to monitor and do mitigate, therefore, such investigations is highly demanded. Present information will be very helpful for environmentalist/policy makers in making effective strategies to mitigate the environment related problems.

The influence of preparation methodology on the concentrations of heavy metals in Pleurozium schreberi moss samples prior to use in active biomonitoring studies

“…Cadmium was not determined in any preparation method-it was below the quantification limits of the applied analytical method. The distribution of lead may be influenced by the polluting source as, for example, in area A-traffic (Singh et al 2017), and its concentration in method 4, and the statistically relevant difference is the result of the appropriate preparation and homogenisation of the material, which enabled its determination (Fernández et al 2015).…”

Assessment of Atmospheric Deposition and Spatial Variability of Trace Metals in Kandy City and Suburbs using Bio-monitoring Technique in Mosses

“…Despite of above limitations, the physicochemical methods are also failed to implement the possible effects of various pollutants on living organisms (Attanayaka and Wijeyaratne, 2013). Bio-monitoring is an inexpensive method that can be used to determine the levels pollution through atmospheric deposition over specific locations (Singh et al, 2017). Common occurrence in the field, the easiness of sampling, the degree of trace element accumulation and no expensive technical equipment is required are some of remarkable advantages on bio-monitors over physicochemical monitors (Singh et al, 2017, Ares et al, 2012.…”

“…Bio-monitoring is an inexpensive method that can be used to determine the levels pollution through atmospheric deposition over specific locations (Singh et al, 2017). Common occurrence in the field, the easiness of sampling, the degree of trace element accumulation and no expensive technical equipment is required are some of remarkable advantages on bio-monitors over physicochemical monitors (Singh et al, 2017, Ares et al, 2012. Notably, this concept of bio-monitoring brings an opportunity to assess the effects on pollutants on biotic components in an ecosystem (Attanayaka and Wijeyaratne, 2013).…”