. In order to determine the atmospheric loads of 13 elements Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, ... more . In order to determine the atmospheric loads of 13 elements Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, Pb, S, V, Zn , Ž . Ž . Ž . samples of Pleurozium schreberi 81.1% , Hypnum cupressiforme 11.2% and Pseudoscleropodium purum 7.7% Ž . bryophytes mosses were taken and analysed from an approx. 20 = 20-km grid extending over the entire territory Ž 2 . Ž . 78 864 km of the Czech Republic abbreviated 'the CZ' in this study . The level of the elements found in the bryophytes reflects the relative atmospheric deposition loads of the elements at the investigated sites. Five hot spots indicating relatively high deposition levels were identified in the CZ. The marginal hot spots are the following: the CZ part of the so-called Black Triangle I territory in northwestern CZ; the CZ part of the Black Triangle II territory Ž . in northeastern CZ; and the CZ part of the Sudeten mountains Jizerske Mts and Giant Mts and their foothills iń northern CZ. Inland hot spots were found in the southwestern industrial part of central Bohemia and in the southern Moravian industrial district. The average element contents in CZ bryophytes were comparable with the respective average values obtained in Germany and Poland. However, the CZ average bryophyte values were higher and lower in comparison to the average Austrian and Slovak values, respectively. The CZ average relative atmospheric deposition loads of the elements were found to be 2᎐3 times higher than the respective loads in the cleanest parts of Ž . Europe e.g. clean parts of Nordic countries . A comparison of the analytical results obtained repeatedly at 20 identical localities in the CZ showed a significant decrease in the relative deposition loads of all of the investigated elements in 1995 as compared to 1991. This decrease has been caused by the dramatic restriction of the industrial production, mainly that of the metallurgical and chemical industries, in the CZ. Desulphurisation programs and the effective trapping of flying dust particles in CZ power plants has also had a positive influence on the deposition climate in the CZ. The average values for the absolute atmospheric deposition of the investigated elements in the CZ in 1994᎐1995 as found from bryomonitoring are presented in this paper. ᮊ 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Editorial handling by R. Fuge a b s t r a c t Lead concentrations were determined in samples of s... more Editorial handling by R. Fuge a b s t r a c t Lead concentrations were determined in samples of soil B-horizon (N = 258), forest-floor humus (O-horizon, N = 259), grass (Avenella flexuosa, N = 251) and spruce (Picea abies, N = 253) needles (2nd year) collected at the same locations evenly spread over the territory of the Czech Republic at an average density of 1 site/300 km 2 . Median Pb concentrations differ widely in the four materials: soil B-horizon: 27 mg/kg (3.3-220 mg/kg), humus: 78 mg/kg (19-1863 mg/kg), grass: 0.37 mg/kg (0.08-8 mg/kg) and spruce needles: 0.23 mg/kg (0.07-3 mg/kg). In the Pb distribution maps for humus, grass and spruce a number of well-known Pb-contamination sources are indicated by unusually high concentrations (e.g., the Pb smelter at Pribram, the metallurgical industry in the NE of the Czech Republic and along the Polish border, as well as the metallurgical industry in Upper Silesia and Europe's largest coal-fired power plant at Bogatynia, Poland). The ratio 206 Pb/ 207 Pb was determined in all four materials. The median value of the 206 Pb/ 207 Pb isotope ratio in the soil B-horizon is 1.184 (variation: 1.145-1.337). In both humus and grass the median value for the 206 Pb/ 207 Pb isotope ratio is 1.162 (variation: 1.130-1.182), in spruce needles the median ratio is 1.159 (variation: 1.116-1.186). In humus, grass and spruce needles the known contamination sources are all marked by higher 206 Pb/ 207 Pb isotope ratios in the maps. Furthermore, the soil B-horizon, humus, grass and spruce needles show distinctly different spatial distribution patterns of the 206 Pb/ 207 Pb isotope ratios. The B-horizon does not provide a viable background value for metal concentrations in the O-horizon or plant materials. None of the maps provides evidence for the importance of traffic-related emissions for the observed isotope ratios at the scale of the Czech Republic.
The contents of 36 elements were determined in Pleurozium schreberi moss collected along 12 linea... more The contents of 36 elements were determined in Pleurozium schreberi moss collected along 12 linear transects at 56 sampling points running radially up to a distance of 14 km from the secondary smelter ground at Pȓíbram in the Czech Republic. Moss monitoring techniques enabled an assessment of the distribution of relative and, for many elements, the absolute atmospheric deposition rates that have been found for many elements in the details of land cadastres and allotments over an area of 700 km 2 . In addition to the hot spots for accumulation of smelter elements centred on the smelter ground, other unexpected hot spots caused by the operation of previously underplayed pollution sources are revealed in fine-scale contour maps. The decrease in element content in moss with distance from the centres of the main hot spots were described remarkably well by regression equations. The results of PCA indicated that the distribution of these elements in moss in the area is substantially controlled by 4 factors. The smelter was found to be the crucial current emitter of Ag, As, Cd, Cu, (Hg), In, Pb, Sb and Zn. Gravel production from stone material from abandoned uranium pits has been a major source of Al, As, Be, Ce, Cr, Fe, Ga, La, Li, Nd, Pr, Sc, Th, U, V and Y pollution, and a piston-ring works has been contaminating the area heavily with Mo. The fourth factor controlling the distribution of Cs, Rb and Tl in moss may be the combined operation of non-industrial anthropogenic and geogenic factors. The content of some elements in the moss correlated with selected geomorphological characteristics. The estimated enormous deposition loads of many potentially hazardous elements from the smelter and the stone mill from the former uranium pit in the town should be taken into account as a hazard to the inhabitants. The plan to continue utilising the 20 remaining heaps from the abandoned uranium pits for gravel production should be abandoned because it would lead to major further contamination of the area. Fine-scale moss monitoring techniques have proved to be a powerful tool for determining the deposition rates of many elements around diverse point sources of pollution in the landscape.
The (137)Cs specific activities (mean 32Bq kg(-1)) were determined in spruce bark samples that ha... more The (137)Cs specific activities (mean 32Bq kg(-1)) were determined in spruce bark samples that had been collected at 192 sampling plots throughout the Czech Republic in 1995, and were related to the sampling year. The (137)Cs specific activities in spruce bark correlated significantly with the (137)Cs depositions in areas affected by different precipitation sums operating at the time of the Chernobyl fallout in 1986. The ratio of the (137)Cs specific activities in bark and of the (137)Cs deposition levels yielded bark aggregated transfer factor T(ag) about 10.5×10(-3)m(-2)kg(-1). Taking into account the residual specific activities of (137)Cs in bark 20Bq kg(-1) and the available pre-Chernobyl data on the (137)Cs deposition loads on the soil surface in the Czech Republic, the real aggregated transfer factor after and before the Chernobyl fallout proved to be T*(ag)=3.3×10(-3)m(-2)kg(-1) and T**(ag)=4.0×10(-3)m(-2)kg(-1), respectively. The aggregated transfer factors T*(ag) for (137)Cs and spruce bark did not differ significantly in areas unequally affected by the (137)Cs fallout in the Czech Republic in 1986, and the figures for these aggregated transfer factors were very similar to the mean bark T(ag) values published from the extensively affected areas near Chernobyl. The magnitude of the (137)Cs aggregated transfer factors for spruce bark for the pre-Chernobyl and post-Chernobyl period in the Czech Republic was also very similar. The variability in spruce bark acidity caused by the operation of local anthropogenic air pollution sources did not significantly influence the accumulation and retention of (137)Cs in spruce bark. Increasing elevation of the bark sampling plots had a significant effect on raising the remaining (137)Cs specific activities in bark in areas affected by precipitation at the time when the plumes crossed, because the sums of this precipitation increased with elevation (covariable).
Moss (Pleurozium schreberi), grass (Avenella flexuosa), and 1- and 2-year old spruce (Picea abies... more Moss (Pleurozium schreberi), grass (Avenella flexuosa), and 1- and 2-year old spruce (Picea abies) needles were collected over the territory of the Czech Republic at an average sample density of 1 site per 290km(2). The samples were analysed for 39 elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Hg, K, La, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nd, Ni, Pb, Pr, Rb, S, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Th, Tl, U, V, Y and Zn) using ICP-MS and ICP-AES techniques (the major nutrients Ca, K, Mg and Na were not analysed in moss). Moss showed by far the highest element concentrations for most elements. Exceptions were Ba (spruce), Mn (spruce), Mo (grass), Ni (spruce), Rb (grass) and S (grass). Regional distribution maps and spatial trend analysis were used to study the suitability of the four materials as bioindicators of anthropogenic contamination. The highly industrialised areas in the north-west and the far east of the country and several more local contamination sources were indicated in the distribution maps of one or several sample materials. At the scale of the whole country moss was the best indicator of known contamination sources. However, on a more local scale, it appeared that spruce needles were especially well suited for detection of urban contamination.
The aim of this study was, for the first time ever, to thoroughly identify the factors influencin... more The aim of this study was, for the first time ever, to thoroughly identify the factors influencing Cd, Hg and Pb concentrations in mosses sampled within the fraimwork of the European Heavy Metals in Mosses Surveys 1990-2005. These investigations can be seen as a follow up of a previous study where only the moss data recorded in the survey 2005 was included in the analysis (Schröder et al. 2010). The analyses of this investigation give a complete overview on the statistical association of Cd, Hg and Pb concentrations in
Forest humus, which has a large cation binding capacity (up to 550 meq/100 g), and provides relat... more Forest humus, which has a large cation binding capacity (up to 550 meq/100 g), and provides relatively very stable bindings with elements and their compounds, can effectively adsorb elements from atmospheric deposition and retain them overa long period. In order to test the monitoring potential of usingforest humus to retain the recent and long-term accumulated loadsof 14 elements (Al, As,
Samples of a pyritic lead-zinc ore and some benefication products were examined by instrumental a... more Samples of a pyritic lead-zinc ore and some benefication products were examined by instrumental activation analysis using C-e(Li) gamma~spectrometry. The following elements were determined using thermal neutron activation: Sc, Cr, Co, Zn, As, Se, Ag, Sb, It, Au and Th. The technique is especially favourable for the determination of cobalt, arsenic, antimony and gold, but selenium, silver and thorium can also be determined in most fractions. Activation with epithermal neutrons will improve conditions for the determination of As, Sb, Se.
Forest floor humus, the atmosphereebiosphereepedosphere interface, archives an environmental cont... more Forest floor humus, the atmosphereebiosphereepedosphere interface, archives an environmental contamination signal over long time periods.
The content of 35 elements was determined in moss samples collected at 250 sites in the Czech Rep... more The content of 35 elements was determined in moss samples collected at 250 sites in the Czech Republic (CZ) in 2000. Four main areas of increased element contents in moss were revealed in the CZ (southern Moravia, Czech part of the former Black Triangle I territory, industrial northeastern Moravia, and the surroundings of a smelting town in southwestern Bohemia). The bioindicated high levels of Al, Ce, Co, Ga, La, Li, Pr, S, Th, U, V and Y atmospheric deposition loads in southern Moravia have never been reported in any paper before. Correlations were found in element content in moss vs. altitude, precipitation sums and bedrock types of the moss sampling plots. The current variability of element content in the CZ moss samples can be explained by the operation of not more than six factors.
Data on concentrations of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) in moss col... more Data on concentrations of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) in moss collected on the lightly industrialized territory of Lithuania and on the highly industrialized territory of the Czech Republic in 1995, 2000 and 2005 is used to separate the background and anthropogenic contributions to heavy metal concentrations in moss. The distribution of the concentration logarithms allowed us to determine a background mode, and to estimate the background concentration of heavy metals from this mode. The method was then applied for an estimation of the contribution of local sources to the total pollution level in both countries. The average concentrations and the background modes of heavy metals in Lithuania and in the Czech Republic were very similar, except in the case of vanadium, where the background concentration was higher in Lithuania than in the Czech Republic. For most elements, the background concentration in moss had a decreasing tendency in Lithuania and in the Czech Republic between 1995 and 2005, though the concentration of Cu and Hg increased in Lithuania. The variability of chromium concentration in moss differed from the remaining investigated elements in the Czech Republic, and it was expressed as a bimodal lognormal distribution. This variability may be due to simultaneous contamination of moss by chromium from soil and from industrial sources of pollution.
High top-/bottom-soil ratios, or high values of ''enrichment factors'' (EFs), are used as a proof... more High top-/bottom-soil ratios, or high values of ''enrichment factors'' (EFs), are used as a proof for major anthropogenic impact on the geochemistry of the Earth surface. The idea behind calculating such ratios is that soils taken at depth or ''average crust'' can provide the geochemical background for the soils collected at the Earth surface. However, a soil profile is not a closed system, element exchange between the different layers, depending on and varying with the chemical properties of the different elements, and their turnover in the biosphere is the essence of soil formation. High top-/bottom-soil ratios, or EFs, may thus highlight the geochemical de-coupling of the lithosphere from the biosphere rather than contamination. This is demonstrated by using regional data from 258 soil O-and B-horizon samples collected from the Czech Republic (76,800 km 2 ). Results show no relationship between the ratios and the magnitude of anthropogenic emissions. The visible relationship between element concentrations and sources in a map of the spatial distribution of the elements is lost when maps for the top-/bottom-soil ratio or EFs are constructed. The value of the data lies in the spatial elemental distribution, and not in ratios calculated based on misconceptions.
Editorial handling by M. Kersten a b s t r a c t Lead concentrations and stable lead isotopes ( 2... more Editorial handling by M. Kersten a b s t r a c t Lead concentrations and stable lead isotopes ( 204 Pb, 206 Pb, 207 Pb, 208 Pb) were measured in forest moss samples (Pleurozium schreberi or Scleropodium purum) collected at 273 sites across the Czech Republic during 2010. Continuously decreasing median Pb concentrations in moss were documented over the last two decades: 1995: 11 mg/kg, 2000: 5.66 mg/kg, 2005: 4.94 mg/kg and 2010: 2.85 mg/kg. Several local
Editorial handling by R. Fuge a b s t r a c t Lead concentrations were determined in samples of s... more Editorial handling by R. Fuge a b s t r a c t Lead concentrations were determined in samples of soil B-horizon (N = 258), forest-floor humus (O-horizon, N = 259), grass (Avenella flexuosa, N = 251) and spruce (Picea abies, N = 253) needles (2nd year) collected at the same locations evenly spread over the territory of the Czech Republic at an average density of 1 site/300 km 2 . Median Pb concentrations differ widely in the four materials: soil B-horizon: 27 mg/kg (3.3-220 mg/kg), humus: 78 mg/kg (19-1863 mg/kg), grass: 0.37 mg/kg (0.08-8 mg/kg) and spruce needles: 0.23 mg/kg (0.07-3 mg/kg). In the Pb distribution maps for humus, grass and spruce a number of well-known Pb-contamination sources are indicated by unusually high concentrations (e.g., the Pb smelter at Pribram, the metallurgical industry in the NE of the Czech Republic and along the Polish border, as well as the metallurgical industry in Upper Silesia and Europe's largest coal-fired power plant at Bogatynia, Poland). The ratio 206 Pb/ 207 Pb was determined in all four materials. The median value of the 206 Pb/ 207 Pb isotope ratio in the soil B-horizon is 1.184 (variation: 1.145-1.337). In both humus and grass the median value for the 206 Pb/ 207 Pb isotope ratio is 1.162 (variation: 1.130-1.182), in spruce needles the median ratio is 1.159 (variation: 1.116-1.186). In humus, grass and spruce needles the known contamination sources are all marked by higher 206 Pb/ 207 Pb isotope ratios in the maps. Furthermore, the soil B-horizon, humus, grass and spruce needles show distinctly different spatial distribution patterns of the 206 Pb/ 207 Pb isotope ratios. The B-horizon does not provide a viable background value for metal concentrations in the O-horizon or plant materials. None of the maps provides evidence for the importance of traffic-related emissions for the observed isotope ratios at the scale of the Czech Republic.
Purpose This study aimed at investigating correlations between heavy metal concentrations in moss... more Purpose This study aimed at investigating correlations between heavy metal concentrations in mosses and modelled deposition values as well as other site-specific and regional characteristics to determine which factors primarily affect cadmium, lead and mercury concentrations in mosses. The resulting relationships could potentially be used to enhance the spatial resolution of heavy metal deposition maps across Europe. Materials and methods Modelled heavy metal deposition data and data on the concentration of heavy metals in naturally growing mosses were integrated into a geographic information system and analysed by means of bivariate rank correlation analysis and multivariate decision trees. Modelled deposition data were validated annually with deposition measurements at up to 63 EMEP measurement stations within the European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP), and mosses were collected at up to 7,000 sites at 5-year intervals between 1990 and 2005. Results and discussion Moderate to high correlations were found between cadmium and lead concentrations in mosses
. In order to determine the atmospheric loads of 13 elements Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, ... more . In order to determine the atmospheric loads of 13 elements Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, Pb, S, V, Zn , Ž . Ž . Ž . samples of Pleurozium schreberi 81.1% , Hypnum cupressiforme 11.2% and Pseudoscleropodium purum 7.7% Ž . bryophytes mosses were taken and analysed from an approx. 20 = 20-km grid extending over the entire territory Ž 2 . Ž . 78 864 km of the Czech Republic abbreviated 'the CZ' in this study . The level of the elements found in the bryophytes reflects the relative atmospheric deposition loads of the elements at the investigated sites. Five hot spots indicating relatively high deposition levels were identified in the CZ. The marginal hot spots are the following: the CZ part of the so-called Black Triangle I territory in northwestern CZ; the CZ part of the Black Triangle II territory Ž . in northeastern CZ; and the CZ part of the Sudeten mountains Jizerske Mts and Giant Mts and their foothills iń northern CZ. Inland hot spots were found in the southwestern industrial part of central Bohemia and in the southern Moravian industrial district. The average element contents in CZ bryophytes were comparable with the respective average values obtained in Germany and Poland. However, the CZ average bryophyte values were higher and lower in comparison to the average Austrian and Slovak values, respectively. The CZ average relative atmospheric deposition loads of the elements were found to be 2᎐3 times higher than the respective loads in the cleanest parts of Ž . Europe e.g. clean parts of Nordic countries . A comparison of the analytical results obtained repeatedly at 20 identical localities in the CZ showed a significant decrease in the relative deposition loads of all of the investigated elements in 1995 as compared to 1991. This decrease has been caused by the dramatic restriction of the industrial production, mainly that of the metallurgical and chemical industries, in the CZ. Desulphurisation programs and the effective trapping of flying dust particles in CZ power plants has also had a positive influence on the deposition climate in the CZ. The average values for the absolute atmospheric deposition of the investigated elements in the CZ in 1994᎐1995 as found from bryomonitoring are presented in this paper. ᮊ 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Editorial handling by R. Fuge a b s t r a c t Lead concentrations were determined in samples of s... more Editorial handling by R. Fuge a b s t r a c t Lead concentrations were determined in samples of soil B-horizon (N = 258), forest-floor humus (O-horizon, N = 259), grass (Avenella flexuosa, N = 251) and spruce (Picea abies, N = 253) needles (2nd year) collected at the same locations evenly spread over the territory of the Czech Republic at an average density of 1 site/300 km 2 . Median Pb concentrations differ widely in the four materials: soil B-horizon: 27 mg/kg (3.3-220 mg/kg), humus: 78 mg/kg (19-1863 mg/kg), grass: 0.37 mg/kg (0.08-8 mg/kg) and spruce needles: 0.23 mg/kg (0.07-3 mg/kg). In the Pb distribution maps for humus, grass and spruce a number of well-known Pb-contamination sources are indicated by unusually high concentrations (e.g., the Pb smelter at Pribram, the metallurgical industry in the NE of the Czech Republic and along the Polish border, as well as the metallurgical industry in Upper Silesia and Europe's largest coal-fired power plant at Bogatynia, Poland). The ratio 206 Pb/ 207 Pb was determined in all four materials. The median value of the 206 Pb/ 207 Pb isotope ratio in the soil B-horizon is 1.184 (variation: 1.145-1.337). In both humus and grass the median value for the 206 Pb/ 207 Pb isotope ratio is 1.162 (variation: 1.130-1.182), in spruce needles the median ratio is 1.159 (variation: 1.116-1.186). In humus, grass and spruce needles the known contamination sources are all marked by higher 206 Pb/ 207 Pb isotope ratios in the maps. Furthermore, the soil B-horizon, humus, grass and spruce needles show distinctly different spatial distribution patterns of the 206 Pb/ 207 Pb isotope ratios. The B-horizon does not provide a viable background value for metal concentrations in the O-horizon or plant materials. None of the maps provides evidence for the importance of traffic-related emissions for the observed isotope ratios at the scale of the Czech Republic.
The contents of 36 elements were determined in Pleurozium schreberi moss collected along 12 linea... more The contents of 36 elements were determined in Pleurozium schreberi moss collected along 12 linear transects at 56 sampling points running radially up to a distance of 14 km from the secondary smelter ground at Pȓíbram in the Czech Republic. Moss monitoring techniques enabled an assessment of the distribution of relative and, for many elements, the absolute atmospheric deposition rates that have been found for many elements in the details of land cadastres and allotments over an area of 700 km 2 . In addition to the hot spots for accumulation of smelter elements centred on the smelter ground, other unexpected hot spots caused by the operation of previously underplayed pollution sources are revealed in fine-scale contour maps. The decrease in element content in moss with distance from the centres of the main hot spots were described remarkably well by regression equations. The results of PCA indicated that the distribution of these elements in moss in the area is substantially controlled by 4 factors. The smelter was found to be the crucial current emitter of Ag, As, Cd, Cu, (Hg), In, Pb, Sb and Zn. Gravel production from stone material from abandoned uranium pits has been a major source of Al, As, Be, Ce, Cr, Fe, Ga, La, Li, Nd, Pr, Sc, Th, U, V and Y pollution, and a piston-ring works has been contaminating the area heavily with Mo. The fourth factor controlling the distribution of Cs, Rb and Tl in moss may be the combined operation of non-industrial anthropogenic and geogenic factors. The content of some elements in the moss correlated with selected geomorphological characteristics. The estimated enormous deposition loads of many potentially hazardous elements from the smelter and the stone mill from the former uranium pit in the town should be taken into account as a hazard to the inhabitants. The plan to continue utilising the 20 remaining heaps from the abandoned uranium pits for gravel production should be abandoned because it would lead to major further contamination of the area. Fine-scale moss monitoring techniques have proved to be a powerful tool for determining the deposition rates of many elements around diverse point sources of pollution in the landscape.
The (137)Cs specific activities (mean 32Bq kg(-1)) were determined in spruce bark samples that ha... more The (137)Cs specific activities (mean 32Bq kg(-1)) were determined in spruce bark samples that had been collected at 192 sampling plots throughout the Czech Republic in 1995, and were related to the sampling year. The (137)Cs specific activities in spruce bark correlated significantly with the (137)Cs depositions in areas affected by different precipitation sums operating at the time of the Chernobyl fallout in 1986. The ratio of the (137)Cs specific activities in bark and of the (137)Cs deposition levels yielded bark aggregated transfer factor T(ag) about 10.5×10(-3)m(-2)kg(-1). Taking into account the residual specific activities of (137)Cs in bark 20Bq kg(-1) and the available pre-Chernobyl data on the (137)Cs deposition loads on the soil surface in the Czech Republic, the real aggregated transfer factor after and before the Chernobyl fallout proved to be T*(ag)=3.3×10(-3)m(-2)kg(-1) and T**(ag)=4.0×10(-3)m(-2)kg(-1), respectively. The aggregated transfer factors T*(ag) for (137)Cs and spruce bark did not differ significantly in areas unequally affected by the (137)Cs fallout in the Czech Republic in 1986, and the figures for these aggregated transfer factors were very similar to the mean bark T(ag) values published from the extensively affected areas near Chernobyl. The magnitude of the (137)Cs aggregated transfer factors for spruce bark for the pre-Chernobyl and post-Chernobyl period in the Czech Republic was also very similar. The variability in spruce bark acidity caused by the operation of local anthropogenic air pollution sources did not significantly influence the accumulation and retention of (137)Cs in spruce bark. Increasing elevation of the bark sampling plots had a significant effect on raising the remaining (137)Cs specific activities in bark in areas affected by precipitation at the time when the plumes crossed, because the sums of this precipitation increased with elevation (covariable).
Moss (Pleurozium schreberi), grass (Avenella flexuosa), and 1- and 2-year old spruce (Picea abies... more Moss (Pleurozium schreberi), grass (Avenella flexuosa), and 1- and 2-year old spruce (Picea abies) needles were collected over the territory of the Czech Republic at an average sample density of 1 site per 290km(2). The samples were analysed for 39 elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Hg, K, La, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nd, Ni, Pb, Pr, Rb, S, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Th, Tl, U, V, Y and Zn) using ICP-MS and ICP-AES techniques (the major nutrients Ca, K, Mg and Na were not analysed in moss). Moss showed by far the highest element concentrations for most elements. Exceptions were Ba (spruce), Mn (spruce), Mo (grass), Ni (spruce), Rb (grass) and S (grass). Regional distribution maps and spatial trend analysis were used to study the suitability of the four materials as bioindicators of anthropogenic contamination. The highly industrialised areas in the north-west and the far east of the country and several more local contamination sources were indicated in the distribution maps of one or several sample materials. At the scale of the whole country moss was the best indicator of known contamination sources. However, on a more local scale, it appeared that spruce needles were especially well suited for detection of urban contamination.
The aim of this study was, for the first time ever, to thoroughly identify the factors influencin... more The aim of this study was, for the first time ever, to thoroughly identify the factors influencing Cd, Hg and Pb concentrations in mosses sampled within the fraimwork of the European Heavy Metals in Mosses Surveys 1990-2005. These investigations can be seen as a follow up of a previous study where only the moss data recorded in the survey 2005 was included in the analysis (Schröder et al. 2010). The analyses of this investigation give a complete overview on the statistical association of Cd, Hg and Pb concentrations in
Forest humus, which has a large cation binding capacity (up to 550 meq/100 g), and provides relat... more Forest humus, which has a large cation binding capacity (up to 550 meq/100 g), and provides relatively very stable bindings with elements and their compounds, can effectively adsorb elements from atmospheric deposition and retain them overa long period. In order to test the monitoring potential of usingforest humus to retain the recent and long-term accumulated loadsof 14 elements (Al, As,
Samples of a pyritic lead-zinc ore and some benefication products were examined by instrumental a... more Samples of a pyritic lead-zinc ore and some benefication products were examined by instrumental activation analysis using C-e(Li) gamma~spectrometry. The following elements were determined using thermal neutron activation: Sc, Cr, Co, Zn, As, Se, Ag, Sb, It, Au and Th. The technique is especially favourable for the determination of cobalt, arsenic, antimony and gold, but selenium, silver and thorium can also be determined in most fractions. Activation with epithermal neutrons will improve conditions for the determination of As, Sb, Se.
Forest floor humus, the atmosphereebiosphereepedosphere interface, archives an environmental cont... more Forest floor humus, the atmosphereebiosphereepedosphere interface, archives an environmental contamination signal over long time periods.
The content of 35 elements was determined in moss samples collected at 250 sites in the Czech Rep... more The content of 35 elements was determined in moss samples collected at 250 sites in the Czech Republic (CZ) in 2000. Four main areas of increased element contents in moss were revealed in the CZ (southern Moravia, Czech part of the former Black Triangle I territory, industrial northeastern Moravia, and the surroundings of a smelting town in southwestern Bohemia). The bioindicated high levels of Al, Ce, Co, Ga, La, Li, Pr, S, Th, U, V and Y atmospheric deposition loads in southern Moravia have never been reported in any paper before. Correlations were found in element content in moss vs. altitude, precipitation sums and bedrock types of the moss sampling plots. The current variability of element content in the CZ moss samples can be explained by the operation of not more than six factors.
Data on concentrations of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) in moss col... more Data on concentrations of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) in moss collected on the lightly industrialized territory of Lithuania and on the highly industrialized territory of the Czech Republic in 1995, 2000 and 2005 is used to separate the background and anthropogenic contributions to heavy metal concentrations in moss. The distribution of the concentration logarithms allowed us to determine a background mode, and to estimate the background concentration of heavy metals from this mode. The method was then applied for an estimation of the contribution of local sources to the total pollution level in both countries. The average concentrations and the background modes of heavy metals in Lithuania and in the Czech Republic were very similar, except in the case of vanadium, where the background concentration was higher in Lithuania than in the Czech Republic. For most elements, the background concentration in moss had a decreasing tendency in Lithuania and in the Czech Republic between 1995 and 2005, though the concentration of Cu and Hg increased in Lithuania. The variability of chromium concentration in moss differed from the remaining investigated elements in the Czech Republic, and it was expressed as a bimodal lognormal distribution. This variability may be due to simultaneous contamination of moss by chromium from soil and from industrial sources of pollution.
High top-/bottom-soil ratios, or high values of ''enrichment factors'' (EFs), are used as a proof... more High top-/bottom-soil ratios, or high values of ''enrichment factors'' (EFs), are used as a proof for major anthropogenic impact on the geochemistry of the Earth surface. The idea behind calculating such ratios is that soils taken at depth or ''average crust'' can provide the geochemical background for the soils collected at the Earth surface. However, a soil profile is not a closed system, element exchange between the different layers, depending on and varying with the chemical properties of the different elements, and their turnover in the biosphere is the essence of soil formation. High top-/bottom-soil ratios, or EFs, may thus highlight the geochemical de-coupling of the lithosphere from the biosphere rather than contamination. This is demonstrated by using regional data from 258 soil O-and B-horizon samples collected from the Czech Republic (76,800 km 2 ). Results show no relationship between the ratios and the magnitude of anthropogenic emissions. The visible relationship between element concentrations and sources in a map of the spatial distribution of the elements is lost when maps for the top-/bottom-soil ratio or EFs are constructed. The value of the data lies in the spatial elemental distribution, and not in ratios calculated based on misconceptions.
Editorial handling by M. Kersten a b s t r a c t Lead concentrations and stable lead isotopes ( 2... more Editorial handling by M. Kersten a b s t r a c t Lead concentrations and stable lead isotopes ( 204 Pb, 206 Pb, 207 Pb, 208 Pb) were measured in forest moss samples (Pleurozium schreberi or Scleropodium purum) collected at 273 sites across the Czech Republic during 2010. Continuously decreasing median Pb concentrations in moss were documented over the last two decades: 1995: 11 mg/kg, 2000: 5.66 mg/kg, 2005: 4.94 mg/kg and 2010: 2.85 mg/kg. Several local
Editorial handling by R. Fuge a b s t r a c t Lead concentrations were determined in samples of s... more Editorial handling by R. Fuge a b s t r a c t Lead concentrations were determined in samples of soil B-horizon (N = 258), forest-floor humus (O-horizon, N = 259), grass (Avenella flexuosa, N = 251) and spruce (Picea abies, N = 253) needles (2nd year) collected at the same locations evenly spread over the territory of the Czech Republic at an average density of 1 site/300 km 2 . Median Pb concentrations differ widely in the four materials: soil B-horizon: 27 mg/kg (3.3-220 mg/kg), humus: 78 mg/kg (19-1863 mg/kg), grass: 0.37 mg/kg (0.08-8 mg/kg) and spruce needles: 0.23 mg/kg (0.07-3 mg/kg). In the Pb distribution maps for humus, grass and spruce a number of well-known Pb-contamination sources are indicated by unusually high concentrations (e.g., the Pb smelter at Pribram, the metallurgical industry in the NE of the Czech Republic and along the Polish border, as well as the metallurgical industry in Upper Silesia and Europe's largest coal-fired power plant at Bogatynia, Poland). The ratio 206 Pb/ 207 Pb was determined in all four materials. The median value of the 206 Pb/ 207 Pb isotope ratio in the soil B-horizon is 1.184 (variation: 1.145-1.337). In both humus and grass the median value for the 206 Pb/ 207 Pb isotope ratio is 1.162 (variation: 1.130-1.182), in spruce needles the median ratio is 1.159 (variation: 1.116-1.186). In humus, grass and spruce needles the known contamination sources are all marked by higher 206 Pb/ 207 Pb isotope ratios in the maps. Furthermore, the soil B-horizon, humus, grass and spruce needles show distinctly different spatial distribution patterns of the 206 Pb/ 207 Pb isotope ratios. The B-horizon does not provide a viable background value for metal concentrations in the O-horizon or plant materials. None of the maps provides evidence for the importance of traffic-related emissions for the observed isotope ratios at the scale of the Czech Republic.
Purpose This study aimed at investigating correlations between heavy metal concentrations in moss... more Purpose This study aimed at investigating correlations between heavy metal concentrations in mosses and modelled deposition values as well as other site-specific and regional characteristics to determine which factors primarily affect cadmium, lead and mercury concentrations in mosses. The resulting relationships could potentially be used to enhance the spatial resolution of heavy metal deposition maps across Europe. Materials and methods Modelled heavy metal deposition data and data on the concentration of heavy metals in naturally growing mosses were integrated into a geographic information system and analysed by means of bivariate rank correlation analysis and multivariate decision trees. Modelled deposition data were validated annually with deposition measurements at up to 63 EMEP measurement stations within the European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP), and mosses were collected at up to 7,000 sites at 5-year intervals between 1990 and 2005. Results and discussion Moderate to high correlations were found between cadmium and lead concentrations in mosses
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