The study was aimed at investigating the effect of traffic load on the accumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) by moss gametophytes (Brachythecium rutabulum and Pylaisia polyantha) and aquatic macrophyte Lemna minor in the territory of the city of Lviv (Ukraine). In the course of the study, five sites were selected: site 1 in the territory of the Stryiskyi Park, which was used as a control one, and sites 2–5, in which the traffic intensity was analyzed and plant samples were collected. Sites 2 and 3 were selected in the middle and end parts of Stryiska Street, respectively, site 4 was located near the junction of Lychakivska and Pasichna streets, and site 5 was chosen in the immediate vicinity of Khortytska Street. Gametophytes of mosses B. rutabulum and P. polyantha were collected at sites 1–4 and analyzed for metals content; two ponds were selected at sites 2 and 5, respectively, and metal concentrations were analyzed in water and in the samples of L. minor. Metal concentrations were determined using a Selmi C-115PK atomic absorption spectrometer. According to observations, the daily traffic intensity at sites 2–4 was high; at the same time, site 5 was characterized by low traffic intensity. It was found that at sites 2–4 with heavy vehicular traffic, the accumulation levels of Mn, Pb, and Zn in gametophytes of both species of mosses and Cu in gametophyte of B. rutabulum were significantly higher compared to the control site in Stryiskyi Park. Significantly higher concentrations of Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn were found in the water of the pond located at site 2 with a high level of transport load (the middle part of Stryiska Street) compared to the pond at site 5, where the level of transport load was negligible; samples of L. minor from this reservoir were characterized by a higher content of Cr, Fe, and Zn compared to the pond at site 5. Investigating the accumulation of metals in L. minor, the highest values of bioaccumulation factors were found for Mn, Fe, and Zn. The obtained results show the bioindication potential of the plants Brachythecium rutabulum, Pylaisia polyantha and Lemna minor, and suggest that these species can be used to assess environmental pollution by heavy metals in the urban ecosystem of Lviv and in other areas with high traffic density.
Numerical Study of a Multi-Layered Strain Sensor for Structural Health Monitoring of Asphalt Pavement