Comparison of different sampling media (moss, lichen, attic dust) for determination of air pollution with heavy metals in the vicinity of copper mine

Moss and lichen species and attic dust samples were used for monitoring distribution of heavy metals and other trace elements in the vicinity of intensively exploited copper mine. Hypnum cupressiforme, Campothecium lutescens and Homolothecium sericium were collected as characteristic moss species and Hypogymnia physodes, Pseudevernia furfuracea and Evernia prunastri were collected as characteristic lichens species for comparative analysis [1, 2]. Attic dust samples were collected from the same region in order of historical record for metals distribution [3]. The analysis of 17 elements (Al, Ba, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, V and Zn) was performed by atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-AES). As and Cd were analyzed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). The comparative analysis between elements content from mosses and lichens showed: (a) collected species were very tolerant to high content of Cu, Pb, Fe (>0.01%, >0.01% and 1% respectively); (b) moss species accumulate higher amounts of lithophile elements (Al, Ba Cr, Fe, Mn, Na, Ni, Sr) and lichen more easily accumulates atmophile elements ( Pb, V, Zn); (c) mosses and lichens cannot be used interchangeably as biomonitors of metals in areas with Cu mineral deposits and ore processing. Attic dust samples enabled recording the historical emission of heavy metals in air with emphasis of Cu, where was found that there is a deposition of large amount of copper. The highest values for copper were obtained from lichen, moss and attic dust (134, 198 and 415 mg kg-1 respectively) samples collected very close to the mine. The ultimate effect is that spatial distribution for element deposition (with emphasis on heavy metals) is not disturbed with the significant differences in sampling media matrix. Using of different types of environmental samples unable covering deficiencies one with another in order of monitoring long term and long distance metal distribution and it deposition in the environment