Use of the Moss Dicranum montanum to Evaluate Recent Temporal Trends of Mercury Accumulation in Oak Forests of Pennsylvania

Davis, Donald D.; McClenahen, James R.; Hutnik, Russell J.

doi:10.1656/1092-6194(2007)14[27:uotmdm]2.0.co;2

Cited by 9 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…The impossibility of comparing the results obtained by two different methods of monitoring atmospheric aerosol contamination was shown by Kosior et al (2015). Nevertheless, species of the genus Dicranum are valuable biomonitors to evaluate total mercury levels (Davis et al, 2007); D. polysetum is sensitive to SO 2 concentrations (Dueck et al, 1992) and prefers undisturbed landscapes, or at least its cover decreases with increasing pollution and metal concentrations (Folkeson & Andersson-Bringmark, 1988). For the moss taxa Dicranum sp., using the moss-bag technique, the highest RAF values were recorded, with significant accumulation of heavy metals in this species influenced not only by its previously described structure but also by the exposure site (Demková et al, 2019).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Świsłowski

Nowak

Rajfur

2022

Enviro Toxic and Chemistry

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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.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Świsłowski

Nowak

Rajfur

2022

Enviro Toxic and Chemistry

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“…6). Due to cost of sampling for Hg, it appears from these limited data that effectiveness will be increased if epiphytic, not ground layer, lichens and bryophytes are included in Hg surveys (see use of Orthodicranum montanum on oak boles in Pennsylvania; Davis et al 2007). However, bryophytes would be difficult to clean if used as bulk samples.…”

Section: Some Take-home Messagesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Monitoring air quality in class I wilderness areas of the northeastern United States using lichens and bryophytes

Dibble¹,

Hinds²,

Perron³

et al. 2016

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“…This spatial heterogeneity at small scales complicates identification of areas where mercury may be particularly harmful; hence, widespread monitoring networks are needed. When hotspots and the most direct sources of contamination are successfully identified, large reductions in local emissions can have quick and significant effects at this scale (Davis et al 2007, Driscoll et al 2007, Evers et al 2007).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Threats of environmental mercury to birds: knowledge gaps and priorities for future research

Seewagen¹

2009

Bird Conservation International

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SummaryAnthropogenic emissions of mercury have doubled over the past two centuries. Mercury is a dangerous neurotoxin that threatens human health and fish and wildlife populations. The effects of mercury on birds have been relatively well-studied in the laboratory and in nature. Several aspects of neurology, physiology, behaviour, and reproduction have been shown to be adversely affected. Many studies have documented ataxia, lethargy, reduced appetite, reduced egg production, poor hatching success, and aberrant parental care in birds exposed to mercury.The majority of the research done to date, however, has been focused on select taxa (waterbirds), trophic levels (piscivores), habitat types (aquatic systems), geographic regions (North America and Europe), and life history stages (reproduction), leaving the assessment of mercury's threats to birds incomplete. Successful bird conservation strategies are dependent on a comprehensive understanding of the threats facing populations. Here, I discuss the significant knowledge gaps that remain and subsequently suggest priorities for future mercury research in birds. Studies of mercury in terrestrial, insectivorous, and/or passerine species, and how mercury affects migration are especially recommended to fill gaps in our present understanding.

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Use of the Moss Dicranum montanum to Evaluate Recent Temporal Trends of Mercury Accumulation in Oak Forests of Pennsylvania

Cited by 9 publications

References 23 publications

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

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

Monitoring air quality in class I wilderness areas of the northeastern United States using lichens and bryophytes

Threats of environmental mercury to birds: knowledge gaps and priorities for future research

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