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

Abstract

Active biomonitoring is used to assess environmental pollution of elements such as heavy metals by indicator species such as mosses. They are used, among others, in urbanized areas where no indicator species are found. In such study areas, mosses collected from sites considered to be ecologically clean shall be exposed. In this context, it is very important to prepare the mosses properly before the exposure, so that the information received about the condition of the environment is reliable. In 2018, studies were conducted in the forested areas of southern Poland—in Opolskie Province. Pleurozium schreberi mosses were used in these studies. Atomic absorption spectrometry with flame atomiser (F-AAS) was used to determine the concentrations of Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb present. The aim was to study the influence of preparation methodology on Pleurozium schreberi moss samples prior to use in active biomonitoring studies. Four different methodologies were tested across four different sample locations (with varying levels of pollution). The results of the research were analysed and the coefficient of variation (CV) was determined. The value of the CV is influenced, among other things, by the location of the particular sample and the level of pollution by, for example heavy metals, in the moss. The research conducted proves that of the four methods used to prepare mosses for later exposure in active biomonitoring, the best method is averaging with simultaneous conditioning of mosses in demineralised water. This treatment causes the CV coefficient to fall below 10% for most of the metals determined in the moss samples. It has also been shown that maintaining moss collection methodology in accordance with ICP Vegetation standards (open/wooded area—tree canopy) also has a significant impact on the result obtained. Statistical analysis confirmed (Wilcoxon test) that the method of processing the mosses significantly influenced the results obtained. Thanks to the appropriate preparation of the mosses before exposition, they can be used in active biomonitoring of, for example, urban areas.

Influence of Heavy Metal Concentration on Chlorophyll Content in Pleurozium schreberi Mosses

“…It was collected in spring 2020 from forests in the Swietokrzyskie Province, Poland (PL). Moss samples were taken and prepared before exposure as part of active biomonitoring in accordance with the guidelines [13,34]. Mosses were exposed in the centre of Opole, Opolskie Province, PL.…”

Passive and Active Biomonitoring of Atmospheric Aerosol with the Use of Mosses

“…Considerably lower SD values (9 times lower for Mn and 19 times lower for Fe) in reference to the research results of passive method signify larger homogeneity of the mosses exposed in the study area, which results from their preparation methodology [35], showing at the same time restricted influence of the dry deposit from soil on the result of active biomonitoring study.…”

“…Active biomonitoring was carried out by exposing mosses for 3 months (moss sample mass 3.00 g), collected from ecologically clean wood areas of Swietokrzyskie province, in 11 measuring location where mosses were collected within passive biomonitoring. Mosses were prepared prior to exposition, according to methodology [35]. The location of moss sample collecting -passive biomonitoring and sample exposition -active biomonitoring, are presented in the map in Figure 1.…”

Air Quality during New Year’s Eve: A Biomonitoring Study with Moss

“…Moss samples were taken and pretreated before exposure in accordance with the International Cooperative Programme on Effects of Air Pollution on Natural Vegetation (ICP Vegetation) program guidelines for moss species, field sampling and cleaning and storing of moss samples [37]. Before exposure, the mosses were conditioned in demineralised water in accordance with a previously-developed methodology specific for mosses [38]. Then 3 g of mosses (3 samples per period) were packed into nets and exposed at a height of about 1.50-2.00 m from ground level.…”