Concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in moss (Hypnum cupressiforme) from Hungary

Imre Olivér Kozák; Melinda Kozák; Jeno Fekete; Virender K Sharma

doi:10.1081/ese-120024450

Concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in moss (Hypnum cupressiforme) from Hungary

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng. 2003;38(11):2613-9. doi: 10.1081/ese-120024450.

Authors

Imre Olivér Kozák¹, Melinda Kozák, Jeno Fekete, Virender K Sharma

Affiliation

¹ Institute of General and Analytical Chemistry, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary.

PMID: 14533926
DOI: 10.1081/ese-120024450

Abstract

Mosses of the species Hypnum cupressiforme were collected from different parts of Hungary to investigate the air quality of the region. The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in species were determined. Low molecular weight PAHs (up to three ring compounds) contribute more than 99% to the concentrations of PAHs in Moss samples. The pattern of PAHs suggests local sources rather than long-range transport of contamination in the air. Possible local sources are industrial, urban, and traffic activities. The results indicate incomplete combustion of fuel is largely responsible for the air quality of the area.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Air Movements
Bryophyta / chemistry*
Environmental Monitoring*
Hungary
Incineration
Industry
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / analysis*
Vehicle Emissions

Substances

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Vehicle Emissions