Atmosphere

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15 pages, 7358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Moss Technique Used to Monitor the Atmospheric Deposition of Trace Elements on the Territory of the Ryazan Region, Russia

by Eleonora Blinova, Marina Frontasyeva, Omari Chaligava and Boris Kochurov

Atmosphere 2024, 15(11), 1304; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15111304 - 29 Oct 2024

Viewed by 402

Abstract

Instrumental neutron activation analysis in combination with the method of moss biomonitoring for the assessment of atmospheric deposition of heavy metals and other elements was applied for the first time in the Ryazan Region in Russia. Concentrations of 42 macro, micro and trace [...] Read more.

Instrumental neutron activation analysis in combination with the method of moss biomonitoring for the assessment of atmospheric deposition of heavy metals and other elements was applied for the first time in the Ryazan Region in Russia. Concentrations of 42 macro, micro and trace elements in 63 moss samples (Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi, as well as Hypnum cupressiforme, Sciuro-hypnum sp., Plagiothecium sp. and Ptilium sp.), collected on a relatively uniform grid in the study area, were determined. On the basis of analytical results using GIS technologies, maps of the spatial distribution of heavy metals and other toxic elements were constructed for the Ryazan region. The method of multivariate statistical analysis (factor analysis) was used to identify the main sources of pollution—large industrial facilities located in this region. The obtained results were included in the Atlas of Atmospheric Deposition of Heavy Metals, which is published by the UN Commission on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (UNECE ICP Vegetation). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomonitoring—an Effective Tool for Air Pollution Assessment (2nd Edition))

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13 pages, 2192 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trends in Atmospheric Nitrogen Deposition in Macedonia Studied by Using the Moss Biomonitoring Technique

by Katerina Bačeva Andonovska, Trajče Stafilov, Robert Šajn, Biljana Jordanoska Shishkoska, Valentina Pelivanoska and Lambe Barandovski

Atmosphere 2024, 15(11), 1297; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15111297 - 28 Oct 2024

Viewed by 426

Abstract

This study examined the nitrogen content in moss samples collected across Macedonia over a 15-year period (2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020) from 72 consistent sampling locations. The nitrogen content was determined using the Kjeldahl method, providing insight into the trends of atmospheric nitrogen [...] Read more.

This study examined the nitrogen content in moss samples collected across Macedonia over a 15-year period (2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020) from 72 consistent sampling locations. The nitrogen content was determined using the Kjeldahl method, providing insight into the trends of atmospheric nitrogen deposition across different regions. Descriptive statistical analyses, including spatial distribution maps, were used to compare the temporal variations and regional nitrogen levels. In addition, box-plots (P₂₅–P₇₅) and whiskers (P₅–P₉₅) were constructed to provide a comprehensive view of the variability across different tectonic units and zones, allowing for an in-depth understanding of the spatial distribution of nitrogen across the country. The study revealed that the median nitrogen content in moss samples decreased from 1.21% in 2005 to 1.04% in 2015, followed by a slight increase to 1.07% in 2020. The highest nitrogen concentrations were consistently found in areas with heavy agricultural activities and high traffic volumes, indicating the direct impact of these anthropogenic factors. The comparisons across regions and geological zones also highlighted the substantial variation in nitrogen levels, reflecting the diverse environmental pressures in different parts of Macedonia. This long-term analysis not only offers valuable insights into the trends in nitrogen pollution but also underlines the necessity for targeted policy interventions, particularly in the regions where nitrogen levels remain persistently high. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomonitoring—an Effective Tool for Air Pollution Assessment (2nd Edition))

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15 pages, 4575 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Moss Biomonitoring in the Evaluation of Air Pollution in the Tver Region, Russia

by Konstantin Vergel, Inga Zinicovscaia, Nikita Yushin, Omari Chaligava, Liliana Cepoi and Alexandra Kravtsova

Atmosphere 2024, 15(10), 1191; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15101191 - 4 Oct 2024

Viewed by 545

Abstract

In the Tver region (Russia), the moss biomonitoring technique was applied to investigate the atmospheric deposition of potentially harmful elements. Using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy and a direct mercury analyzer, a total of 15 elements were identified in 144 moss samples collected [...] Read more.

In the Tver region (Russia), the moss biomonitoring technique was applied to investigate the atmospheric deposition of potentially harmful elements. Using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy and a direct mercury analyzer, a total of 15 elements were identified in 144 moss samples collected in the region. To assess the degree of environmental pollution, ecological indices (pollution load index, enrichment factor, geochemical index, and contamination factor) were computed. The sources of the identified elements were characterized across the territory under investigation using multivariate statistical analysis. The results obtained were compared with the information from other Central Russian regions. GIS technologies were used to create distribution maps for the surveyed territory. Transport and power plants are the primary sources of air pollution in the region, while the influence of industry is suggested to be negligible. Compared to other Russian regions, the area under investigation can be considered relatively clean. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomonitoring—an Effective Tool for Air Pollution Assessment (2nd Edition))

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21 pages, 4530 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and Dominant Mosses (Pleurozium schreberi (Willd. ex Brid.) Mitt.) as Bioindicators of the Expressway Influence on Forest Ecosystems

by Arkadiusz Warczyk, Piotr Gruba, Agnieszka Józefowska, Tomasz Wanic, Agata Warczyk, Bartłomiej Świątek, Julita Bujak and Marcin Pietrzykowski

Atmosphere 2024, 15(8), 971; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15080971 - 14 Aug 2024

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Abstract

The intensive use, development, and expansion of the road network is expanding the zones of direct impact of road transport on forest ecosystems. Issues related to the mobility of trace elements in forest ecosystems along motorways are very important due to the numerous [...] Read more.

The intensive use, development, and expansion of the road network is expanding the zones of direct impact of road transport on forest ecosystems. Issues related to the mobility of trace elements in forest ecosystems along motorways are very important due to the numerous environmental risks associated with the excessive accumulation of metals, the ability to migrate and accumulate in plants and animals, and the risk of transferring these elements to higher trophic levels. The aim of this article was therefore to determine the impact of road traffic on the basis of contents of trace metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn and to describe the relationship of these contents in moss gametophytes and blueberry leaves taken in the vicinity of an existing and variously expanded expressway (S7, Poland, Europe). Analyses of transport impacts included the effects of distance and time of pollutant deposition and road transport on habitat and stand conditions. The highest contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in moss tissues were found in fir stands and the contents were, respectively, 0.36 mg·kg⁻¹, 5.91 mg·kg⁻¹, 12.5 mg·kg⁻¹, 3.26 mg·kg⁻¹, 8.82 mg·kg⁻¹, and 55.28 mg·kg⁻¹. Mosses showed the best bioindication capacity of all of the studied ecosystem elements. The Pb, Zn, Cr, Cu, and Ni contents were particularly markedly elevated in moss tissues relative to non-anthropopressured areas and dependent on distance from the emitter (road). Blueberry proved to be a less useful bioindicator, as the contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn found were similar to the data from non-anthropopressured areas and were, respectively, 0.09 mg·kg⁻¹, 0.98 mg·kg⁻¹, 7.12 mg·kg⁻¹, 2.49 mg·kg⁻¹, 1.18 mg·kg⁻¹, and 15.91 mg·kg⁻¹ in fir stands and 0.04 mg·kg⁻¹, 0.47 mg·kg⁻¹, 6.63 mg·kg⁻¹, 1.65 mg·kg⁻¹, 0.72 mg·kg⁻¹, and 17.44 mg·kg⁻¹ in pine stands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomonitoring—an Effective Tool for Air Pollution Assessment (2nd Edition))

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15 pages, 661 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Comparison of Exposure to Pb and Mn Levels by Using Environmental Personal Monitors and Biomarkers in Relation to Cognitive and Motor Function

by Miguel Santibáñez, Laura Ruiz-Azcona, Andrea Expósito, Bohdana Markiv and Ignacio Fernández-Olmo

Atmosphere 2024, 15(3), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15030350 - 13 Mar 2024

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Abstract

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 130 participants living near a ferromanganese alloy plant, analyzing Pb and Mn exposure by biomarkers (blood, hair, and fingernails) and particulate matter personal environmental monitors (PEMs). Cognitive and motor function were assessed by five and three tests, [...] Read more.

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 130 participants living near a ferromanganese alloy plant, analyzing Pb and Mn exposure by biomarkers (blood, hair, and fingernails) and particulate matter personal environmental monitors (PEMs). Cognitive and motor function were assessed by five and three tests, respectively. Mean differences (MDs) adjusted for age, sex, and study level were determined. In addition, MDs for Pb were adjusted for Mn levels and vice versa. Medians of 9.14 µg/L, 149.04 ng/g, and 96.04 ng/g were obtained for blood, scalp hair, and fingernails Pb levels, respectively. Regarding PEMs, median Pb levels were 6.56 ng/m³ for the fine fraction and, for the coarse fraction, they were below the limit of detection in 97% of participants. Exposure to Pb at low levels was not associated with worse cognitive function. In comparison, exposure to high levels of Mn was associated with worse cognitive function at least in the domains evaluated through Stroop, Digit Span, and Verbal Fluency tests. In terms of motor function, our results suggest that even the currently low Pb levels may have negative health effects on dynamometer-determined strength—adjusted MD on dominant hand = −2.68; 95%CI (−4.85 to −0.51), p = 0.016. Further studies should investigate this association. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomonitoring—an Effective Tool for Air Pollution Assessment (2nd Edition))

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23 pages, 9862 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Moss as a Biomonitor to Identify Atmospheric Deposition of Minor and Trace Elements in Macedonia

by Robert Šajn, Katerina Bačeva Andonovska, Trajče Stafilov and Lambe Barandovski

Atmosphere 2024, 15(3), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15030297 - 28 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1067

Abstract

The present work was carried out to obtain and highlight the fifth comprehensive baseline dataset on atmospheric deposition of trace elements and to assess air quality in Macedonia. In the period from August to September 2020, a total of 72 moss samples were [...] Read more.

The present work was carried out to obtain and highlight the fifth comprehensive baseline dataset on atmospheric deposition of trace elements and to assess air quality in Macedonia. In the period from August to September 2020, a total of 72 moss samples were collected in accessible areas in the country. The content of 28 elements (Ag, Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, Hg, K, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Sc, Sr, Ti, U, and Zn) was determined using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. Based on the data obtained on the content of the elements, a factor analysis was carried out to identify and characterise different sources of pollution. In addition, distribution maps were created for all elements to show the regions most affected by anthropogenic activities. The survey conducted in 2020 has shown that air pollution with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) has slightly decreased compared to the results of the previous survey from 2015. This is due to the fact that, despite the operation of all mining and smelting facilities with the same capacity, government regulations for the installation of cleaning systems and additional regulations to reduce pollution have been introduced in the last five years. Nevertheless, the fact remains that the highest anthropogenic air pollution with PTEs is still caused by the operation of the ferronickel smelter in Kavadarci (Ni and Cr) in the southern part and by the lead and zinc mines in Probištip, Makedonska Kamenica, and Kriva Palanka in the eastern part of the country (Cd, Pb, and Zn). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomonitoring—an Effective Tool for Air Pollution Assessment (2nd Edition))

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15 pages, 3142 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Environmental Justice at the Urban Scale: The Contribution of Lichen Biomonitoring for Overcoming the Dichotomy between Proximity-Based and Distribution-Based Approaches

by Tania Contardo and Stefano Loppi

Atmosphere 2024, 15(3), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15030275 - 25 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1589

Abstract

In this study, we tested the use of lichen biomonitoring techniques for the assessment of air quality disparities at the urban scale. We based our evaluation on the results of a previous lichen biomonitoring study carried out in Milan (Northern Italy), which estimates [...] Read more.

In this study, we tested the use of lichen biomonitoring techniques for the assessment of air quality disparities at the urban scale. We based our evaluation on the results of a previous lichen biomonitoring study carried out in Milan (Northern Italy), which estimates the contamination by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and its distribution over the area, also providing an evaluation of the main emission sources. Therefore, we used the traditional methodologies for environmental justice assessment: the proximity-based and the distribution-based approaches. The workflow we propose is a data-driven selection of emission sources that contributes to overcoming the dichotomy between the two approaches and is now widely debated in the scientific community. A socio-economic deprivation index was elaborated for each census unit of Milan city and then related to the proximity of the emission sources previously selected. The results suggested that in the surrounding of industries and railways, the deprivation is higher, while the proximity of main roads is inhabited by wealthier populations. The distribution-based approach was run through a quantile regression analysis, and the outcome indicated that among the wealthier groups, an increase in contamination is followed by an increase in socio-economic deprivation, whilst among the deprived groups, people with greater economic opportunities tend, however, to live in worse air quality conditions due to the proximity of communication routes. This study poses the potential to review the classical methods of EJ assessment, providing a reliable workflow applicable in urban areas—the most vulnerable in terms of air quality disparities in the present and in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomonitoring—an Effective Tool for Air Pollution Assessment (2nd Edition))

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16 pages, 1200 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Atmospheric Pollution by Selected Elements and PAHs during 12-Month Active Biomonitoring of Terrestrial Mosses

by Małgorzata Rajfur, Anca-Iulia Stoica, Paweł Świsłowski, Wolfgang Stach, Falko Ziegenbalg and Eva Maria Mattausch

Atmosphere 2024, 15(1), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15010102 - 14 Jan 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1601

Abstract

Biomonitoring studies are most often used in short-term study periods to quickly obtain information on the state/quality of the environment and its pollution levels. Performing long-term surveys involves a prolonged wait for the result and is therefore not often used and is rather [...] Read more.

Biomonitoring studies are most often used in short-term study periods to quickly obtain information on the state/quality of the environment and its pollution levels. Performing long-term surveys involves a prolonged wait for the result and is therefore not often used and is rather associated with classical air quality monitoring. The aim of this study was to evaluate atmospheric air pollution by selecting 16 elements and 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons conducted as part of a 12-month ‘moss-bag’ technique of an active biomonitoring method with the use of three moss species: Pleurozium schreberi, Sphagnum fallax, and Dicranum polysetum. All analytes were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). As a result of the experiment, it was found that the concentrations of all elements increased with time of exposure. The total sum of them in D. polysetum moss was 30% and 60% more than in P. schreberi and S. fallax, respectively, which allows us to consider this species’ broader use in active biomonitoring. For PAHs analysis, the best biomonitor in time was P. schreberi, which accumulated 25% and 55% more than S. fallax and D. polysetum, respectively. In this one-year study, most organic compounds accumulated between 5 and 6 months of exposure, depending on the species. Given the low-cost nature of active biomonitoring, it should be concluded that mosses could be used in long-term monitoring of the quality of the atmospheric aerosol in terms of element and organic compound concentration in air. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomonitoring—an Effective Tool for Air Pollution Assessment (2nd Edition))

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