Heavy Metal Atmospheric Deposition Study in Moscow Region, Russia

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2019 Sep;103(3):435-440. doi: 10.1007/s00128-019-02672-4. Epub 2019 Jul 2.

Abstract

The air quality in north-eastern part of Moscow region was evaluated by trace metals atmospheric deposition using moss Pleurozium schreberi as bioindicator. Thirty six elements were determined in analyzed samples by Neutron activation analysis and Atomic absorption spectrometry. Principal component analysis was used to identify and characterize different pollution sources. Maps showing the geographical distribution of the factor scores were built using ArcGis software. Median values of the elements studied were compared with data obtained for other regions in Russia. The present survey showed that industrial activity, thermal power plants and transport still have the largest anthropogenic impact on air pollution in studied region.

Keywords: Air pollution; Atomic absorption spectrometry; Biomonitoring; Contamination factor; Factor analysis; Neutron activation analysis; Source markers; Trace metals.

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / analysis*
  • Air Pollutants / metabolism
  • Atmosphere / chemistry
  • Bryopsida / metabolism
  • Environmental Biomarkers
  • Environmental Monitoring*
  • Industry
  • Metals, Heavy / analysis*
  • Metals, Heavy / metabolism
  • Moscow
  • Trace Elements / analysis

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Environmental Biomarkers
  • Metals, Heavy
  • Trace Elements