Trace Element Deposition in Arctic and Alpine Tundra Ecosystems: Mosses as Bioindicators of Natural and Anthropogenic Sources

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the concentration of trace elements in three moss species from two similar habitats in the Arctic tundra (the northern Iceland) and in the Alpine tundra (the Karkonosze Mountains, SW Poland). These regions vary greatly in their exposure to pollution. Iceland is considered to be a relatively free from anthropogenic pollution, whereas the Karkonosze, are affected by emissions originating from the so-called 'Black Triangle’ area. The research was carried out on three species of ectohydric mosses: Pleurozium schreberi, Racomitrium lanuginosum and Sanionia uncinata. Concentrations of selected trace elements in these species as well as in soils and rocks were measured. Two hypotheses were tested in the study: 1) Trace elements concentrations in P. schreberi, R. lanuginosum and S. uncinata differ significantly between northern Iceland and the Karkonosze Mountains due to variations in anthropogenic influence and atmospheric input. 2) Different moss species exhibit significant differences in their capacity to accumulate trace metals from the environment. The results indicate, that Pleurozium schreberi, R. lanuginosum and S. uncinata from Iceland contained higher amounts of Co, Cr, Cu, Fe and Ni. Mosses from alpine tundra contained more Cd, Hg and Pb. Sanionia uncinata was the most effective bioaccumulator of Cd, Cu and Zn, in both Iceland and the Karkonosze Mountains, while R. lanuginosum was a good bioaccumulator of Fe and Pb. Pleurozium schreberi was the weakest bioaccumulator of Cr, Cu, Fe and Pb.

Graphical Abstract