Mosses as Biomonitor of Air Pollution with Analytes Originating from Tobacco Smoke

Abstract The aim of the carried out research was the assessment of the possibility to use a popular bioindicator - Pleurozium schreberi mosses as a biosensor of the air pollution in living quarters with the analytes originating from tobacco smoke. The moss bag method of active biomonitoring, popular in environmental studies, was applied; the method is based on exposing mosses collected in clean areas in the locations polluted with, for example, heavy metals. However, this experiment involved exposing mosses in living quarters, in which approximately 10 cigarettes were smoked daily (first room - kitchen). For the purpose of comparison, moss samples were also placed in another room (bedroom), which was potentially not polluted. After three months of exposure, the following heavy metals were determined in mosses: Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb and Hg, using the atomic absorption spectrometry method. Additionally, these analytes were also determined in hair samples from the persons smoking in the room and from other smokers; the determined metal concentrations were compared with the results of the studies carried out using hair samples collected from non-smokers. On the basis of carried out research it was confirmed that, among others, the mosses exposed in living quarters accumulate heavy metals, such as Ni, Zn, Pb and Hg, which originate from tobacco smoke. Higher heavy metal concentrations were determined in hair samples from smokers, compared to hair samples from non-smokers.

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Application of algae in active biomonitoring of the selected holding reservoirs in swietokrzyskie province

Ecological Chemistry and Engineering S ◽

10.1515/eces-2016-0016 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 237-247 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Małgorzata Rajfur ◽

Paweł Krems ◽

Andrzej Kłos ◽

Rafał Kozłowski ◽

Małgorzata A. Jóźwiak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metal ◽

Atomic Absorption Spectrometry ◽

Sea Water ◽

Absorption Spectrometry ◽

Palmaria Palmata ◽

Artificial Lake ◽

Spectrometry Method ◽

Active Biomonitoring ◽

Industrial Plants ◽

Heavy Metal Concentrations

Abstract During the years 2014-2015, biomonitoring studies were carried out at three holding reservoirs located in Swietokrzyskie Province (central Poland): Kielce artificial lake, Chancza reservoir and Sielpia reservoir. In sea water algae Palmaria palmata (Linnaeus) Weber & Mohr, exposed in the analysed waters, the increases of concentrations were determined by the atomic absorption spectrometry method (AAS), of the following: Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb. Conductivity and pH were also determined in the reservoirs waters. The differences between the increases of heavy metal concentrations in the samples of algae found along the coastline were indicated; they result from different distances from the pollution sources, such as resorts, communication routes and industrial plants.

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Use of Algae in Active Biomonitoring of Surface Waters

Ecological Chemistry and Engineering S ◽

10.1515/eces-2014-0040 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 21 (4) ◽

pp. 561-576 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Małgorzata Rajfur ◽

Andrzej Kłos

Keyword(s):

Surface Waters ◽

Quantitative Assessment ◽

Sea Water ◽

Absorption Spectrometry ◽

Palmaria Palmata ◽

Spectrometry Method ◽

Active Biomonitoring ◽

Heavy Metal Concentrations ◽

Limit Of Determination ◽

Sorption Characteristics

Abstract Biomonitoring studies have been carried out in three retention reservoirs located in the Opole Province (southern Poland): Turawa reservoir, Nysa reservoir and Otmuchow reservoir. The increases of concentrations of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in fresh water algae Spirogyra sp. and sea water Palmaria palmata (Linnaeus) Weber & Mohr, exposed in the analysed waters, were determined by the atomic absorption spectrometry method (AAS). Also the waters pH, conductivity and Mn and Fe concentrations were determined. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in the analysed waters were lower than the method limit of determination. The analyses were carried out during the period from June to July 2014. The differences between the increases of heavy metal concentrations in the samples of algae found along the coastline were indicated; they result from different distances from the pollution sources, such as sediments or drainage from the areas adjacent to the reservoirs. Better sorption characteristics of Palmaria palmata in comparison to Spirogyra sp. were indicated. An empirical interrelation was also tested, the application of which after modification may enable the quantitative assessment of waters pollution with heavy metals, based on the analysis of the concentration of the element in the algae thallus.

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

Environmental Science and Pollution Research ◽

10.1007/s11356-020-11484-7 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Paweł Świsłowski ◽

Grzegorz Kosior ◽

Małgorzata Rajfur

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Indicator Species ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Absorption Spectrometry ◽

Tree Canopy ◽

Wilcoxon Test ◽

Pleurozium Schreberi ◽

Active Biomonitoring ◽

Forested Areas ◽

Simultaneous Conditioning

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.

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Heavy metals in two host-parasite systems: tapeworm vs. fish

Acta Veterinaria Brno ◽

10.2754/avb201281030313 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 81 (3) ◽

pp. 313-317 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Vlastimil Baruš ◽

Andrea Šimková ◽

Miroslav Prokeš ◽

Milan Peňáz ◽

Lukáš Vetešník

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Aquatic Ecosystems ◽

Absorption Spectrometry ◽

Fish Host ◽

Accumulation Ratio ◽

Metal Concentrations ◽

Heavy Metal Concentrations ◽

Barbus Barbus ◽

Fish Hosts ◽

Host Parasite

The tissue of two tapeworm species (Ligula intestinalis and Bathybothrium rectangulum) and body muscles of their fish host species were analyzed for heavy metal concentrations by standard methods using atomic absorption spectrometry. Regarding the values of accumulation ratio, the L. intestinalis accumulated 12.5–18.9 × more lead, 2.3–3 × more cadmium, and 4.4–14.1 × more chrome, compared to respective metal concentrations in muscles of cyprinid intermediate fish hosts. The gravid strobila biomass of the B. rectangulum accumulated 2.2 × more lead, 1.2 × more nickel, and 2.3 × more chrome compared with the respective concentrations in the muscles of the barbel Barbus barbus. Metal concentrations in the muscles of uninfected fish and by tapeworm infected barbels showed that the uninfected individuals exhibited 1.4 × more lead, 1.6 × more nickel and 1.7 × more chrome than the infected ones. Our study suggests that parasites are a useful bioindicator when evaluating environmental pollution of aquatic ecosystems by heavy metals.

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Biomonitoring of Atmospheric Aerosol with the use of Apis mellifera and Pleurozium schreberi

Chemistry-Didactics-Ecology-Metrology ◽

10.2478/cdem-2019-0009 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (1-2) ◽

pp. 107-116

Author(s):

Zuzanna Konopka ◽

Paweł Świsłowski ◽

Małgorzata Rajfur

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Honey Bees ◽

Atmospheric Aerosol ◽

Absorption Spectrometry ◽

Pleurozium Schreberi ◽

Environment Pollution ◽

Limit Of Quantification ◽

Active Biomonitoring ◽

Flame Atomic Absorption ◽

Aerosol Pollution

Abstract The aim of the carried out research was to assess atmospheric aerosol pollution levels in the area of three apiaries located in the Opole Province and to analyse heavy metals pollution in bee honey and western honey bees. Pleurozium schreberi moss was used in analysing atmospheric aerosol pollution with the active biomonitoring method, whereas heavy metals levels were determined with flame atomic absorption spectrometry method (F-AAS). Relative Accumulation Factors (RAF) were used in determining increases of analytes concentrations in the moss samples. As a result of the carried out study, the following conclusions have been reached: mosses are good bioindicators of environment pollution thanks to their sorption qualities, similarly to honey bees, which are a bioindicator of environment pollution. According to the Commission Regulation of European Union of 2015 regarding the maximum levels of lead in certain foods (honey), it should not exceed 0.1 mg/kg. On the basis of the carried out study it can be stated that the concentration of this analyte in the analysed honey was below the limit of quantification of the applied analytical method.

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Biomonitoring of Heavy Metal Air Pollution in Warsaw Using Two Moss Species Pleurozium schreberi and Sphagnum palustre

Studia Ecologiae et Bioethicae ◽

10.21697/seb.2021.19.4.09 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Krassimira Ilieva-Makulec ◽

Paweł Dariusz Plichta ◽

Maciej Sierakowski

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Heavy Metal ◽

Air Pollution ◽

Heavy Traffic ◽

Negative Influence ◽

Heavy Metal Accumulation ◽

Pleurozium Schreberi ◽

Active Biomonitoring ◽

Moss Species ◽

Sphagnum Palustre

The aim of the study was to assess air pollution with heavy metals in Warsaw, on the basis of the concentrations of selected elements in moss samples. The active biomonitoring method (moss-bag technique) was applied using two moss species Pleurozium schreberi and Sphagnum palustre. Moss samples were collected in the Kampinos National Park, and the prepared moss bags were distributed and exposed on seven sites in Warsaw. The analysis of metals accumulated in mosses was performed twice in 2020, after two (August-September) and four months (August-November) of exposure. The concentrations of seven heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, Fe, Cd and Zn) in the mosses were determined, using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP OES). Our results showed a clear dependence of heavy metal accumulation in the mosses on the location of the exposition site and the exposure period. Both species of mosses were found to accumulate the most metals in the vicinity of pollutant emitters, such as the ArcelorMittal Warsaw smelter, exit roads or roads in the city with heavy traffic, petrol stations, or construction works. After 4 months of exposure, in both moss species, the highest increases in the concentrations were found for four elements: Cr, Pb, Ni and Cd. Higher concentrations of some heavy metals in the mosses in 2020, as compared to previous studies, indicate a negative influence of progressing urbanisation on air pollution in Warsaw.

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

Ecological Chemistry and Engineering S ◽

10.2478/eces-2020-0037 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 27 (4) ◽

pp. 591-601

Author(s):

Paweł Świsłowski ◽

Małgorzata Rajfur ◽

Maria Wacławek

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Heavy Metal ◽

Chlorophyll Content ◽

Absorption Spectrometry ◽

Heavy Metal Concentration ◽

Pleurozium Schreberi ◽

Active Biomonitoring ◽

Determining Factor ◽

Environment Condition ◽

Chlorophyll Concentrations

Abstract The aim of biomonitoring is assessment of environment condition. Biomonitoring studies with the use of mosses focus mainly on analytes accumulation and determining elements’ concentrations in the study area. It is often forgotten that a bioindicator should be alive during biomonitoring studies (which can be determined by, e.g., analysis of chlorophyll content). The objective of the carried out research was an assessment of the influence of selected heavy metals concentration: Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb accumulated by Pleurozium schreberi mosses during 3-month exposition within active biomonitoring, on their vitality, assessed by an analysis of a and b chlorophyll concentrations. The studies were also carried out in laboratory conditions, where the content of the dyes was determined with the aid of a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, in mosses reacting with solutions of various concentrations of the analysed metals. The content of elements in mosses after exposition and in solutions prior and after sorption were determined with the use of atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) in a flame atomiser. After the carried out studies it was determined that mosses, during 12-week long exposition, accumulated heavy metals, which did not clearly influence the changes in chlorophyll content. The carried out studies prove that heavy metals are not the only and determining factor, which influences chlorophyll content in mosses as well as the bioindicator’s vitality in the conditions of environmental stress.

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Arsenic and heavy metal concentrations in agricultural soils in South Savo province

Agricultural and Food Science ◽

10.23986/afsci.5731 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 285-300 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

V. MÄNTYLAHTI ◽

P. LAAKSO

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Heavy Metal ◽

Agricultural Soils ◽

Mineral Soil ◽

Soil Samples ◽

Potential Hazard ◽

Metal Concentrations ◽

Limit Values ◽

Heavy Metal Concentrations ◽

Target Values

Increasing concentrations of arsenic and heavy metals in agricultural soils are becoming a growing problem in industrialized countries. These harmful elements represent the basis of a range of problems in the food chain, and are a potential hazard for animal and human health. It is therefore important to gauge their absolute and relative concentrations in soils that are used for crop production. In this study the arsenic and heavy metal concentrations in 274 mineral soil samples and 38 organogenic soil samples taken from South Savo province in 2000 were determined using the aqua regia extraction technique. The soil samples were collected from 23 farms.The elements analyzed were arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, mercury, nickel, lead and zinc. The median concentrations in the mineral soils were:As 2.90 mg kg 1, Cd 0.084 mg kg 1, Cr 17.0 mg kg 1, Cu 13.0 mg kg 1, Hg 0.060 mg kg 1, Ni 5.4 mg kg 1, Pb 7.7 mg kg 1, Zn 36.5 mg kg 1. The corresponding values in the organogenic soils were:As 2.80 mg kg 1, Cd 0.265 mg kg 1, Cr 15.0 mg kg 1, Cu 29.0 mg kg 1, Hg 0.200 mg kg 1, Ni 5.9 mg kg 1, Pb 11.0 mg kg 1, Zn 25.5 mg kg 1. The results indicated that cadmium and mercury concentrations in the mineral and organogenic soils differed. Some of the arsenic, cadmium and mercury concentrations exceeded the normative values but did not exceed limit values. Most of the agricultural fields in South Savo province contained only small amounts of arsenic and heavy metals and could be classified as Clean Soil. A draft for the target values of arsenic and heavy metal concentrations in Clean Soil is presented.;

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The Use of Bark in Biomonitoring Heavy Metal Pollution of Forest Areas on the Example of Selected Areas in Poland

Ecological Chemistry and Engineering S ◽

10.2478/eces-2020-0013 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 195-210

Author(s):

Paweł Świsłowski ◽

Jan Kříž ◽

Małgorzata Rajfur

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Heavy Metal ◽

Seasonal Changes ◽

Betula Pendula ◽

Absorption Spectrometry ◽

Heating Season ◽

Spectrometry Method ◽

Białowieża Forest ◽

North Eastern ◽

Heavy Metal Deposition

AbstractIn the year 2016, passive biomonitoring studies were conducted in the forest areas of southern and north-eastern Poland: the Karkonosze Mountains (Kark), the Beskidy Mountains (Beskid), Borecka Forest (P. Bor), Knyszynska Forest (P. Kny), and Białowieza Forest (P. Bia). This study used bark from the tree, Betula pendula Roth. Samples were collected in spring (Sp), summer (Su), and autumn (Au). Concentrations of Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb were determined for the samples using the atomic absorption spectrometry method with flame excitation (F-AAS). Based on the obtained results, the studied areas were ranked according to level of heavy-metal deposition: forests of southern Poland > forests of north-eastern Poland. Some seasonal changes in the concentrations of metals accumulated in bark were also indicated, which is directly related to their changing concentrations in the air during the calendar year, for instance, the winter heating season produces higher concentrations of heavy metals in the bark samples taken in spring. When deciding to do biomonitoring studies using bark, but also other biological materials, it is necessary to take into account the period in which the conducted research is done and the time when the samples are taken for analysis, because this will have a significant impact on the obtained results.

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Heavy Metals in the Soils of Placer Small-Scale Gold Mining Sites in Myanmar

Journal of Health and Pollution ◽

10.5696/2156-9614-10.27.200911 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (27) ◽

pp. 200911

Author(s):

Aung Zaw Tun ◽

Pokkate Wongsasuluk ◽

Wattasit Siriwong

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Heavy Metal ◽

Gold Mining ◽

Soil Samples ◽

Small Scale ◽

Mining Activities ◽

Mining Operations ◽

Metal Concentrations ◽

Mining Sites ◽

Heavy Metal Concentrations

Background. Artisanal and small-scale mining activities are widely practiced globally. Concentrations of heavy metals associated with gold, such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) can increase in the environment as a result of mining activities, leading to environmental pollution and pose toxicity risks to humans and animals. Objectives. The aim of the present study was to investigate soil concentrations of toxic heavy metals in placer small-scale gold mining operations in Myanmar. Methods. Soil samples were collected from three placer small-scale gold mining sites: Site A located in the Hmawbon public protected forest, Site B and Site C, situated in the Nant-Kyin reserved forest around Nar Nant Htun village. At each site, soil samples were collected from four gold mining stages (ore processing, sluicing, panning, and amalgamation). Atomic absorption spectroscopy was utilized to examine the concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, and Hg. Results. The highest heavy metal concentrations were generally found in the amalgamation stages across all the gold mining sites. Across the three mining sites, the maximum heavy metal concentrations in the amalgamation stage were 22.170 mg.kg−1 for As, 3.070 mg.kg−1 for Cd, 77.440 mg.kg−1 for Hg, and 210.000 mg.kg−1 for Pb. Conclusions. The present study examined the concentrations of As, Cd, Hg and Pb in the soil of several small-scale gold mining sites in Banmauk Township, Myanmar. The results demonstrated the presence of high concentrations of heavy metals in the soil of the gold mining sites. Miners in this area work without proper personal protective equipment, and frequent exposure to heavy metals in the soil may cause adverse health effects. The present study provides baseline data for future risk assessment studies of heavy metal contamination in gold mines. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests

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