Moss biomonitoring of the distribution of chemical elements in the air in the Prespa region, North Macedonia

Authors

  • Biljana Dimkova Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” University in Skopje, POB 162, Skopje, North Macedonia
  • Robert Šajn Geological Survey of Slovenia, Dimičeva ulica 14, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
  • Trajče Stafilov Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” University in Skopje, POB 162, Skopje, North Macedonia

Keywords:

Moss biomonitoring, air pollution, potentially toxic elements, Prespa region, North Macedonia

Abstract

A study was conducted to investigate atmospheric deposition and to explore the natural distribution and possible contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the Prespa region, North Macedonia, using moss samples as biomonitors for air pollution. The distribution of 19 chemical elements (Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, V, and Zn) was detected in 11 moss samples from this area. The moss samples were analysed after microwave digestion using inductively coupled plasma – atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). R-mode factor analysis was used to identify and characterise the elemental associations, and four associations of elements were identified. Four factors were separated from the group of elements: Factor 1 (Fe-Al-Cr-V-Ni), Factor 2 (Sr-Ba-Mg), Factor 3 (K-P-Zn) and Factor 4 (Pb-Cu). All element factors were found to be typical geochemical associations, with the exception of the distribution of K and P in the agricultural areas of the study area where fertilisers are used over a long period of time.

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Published

2024-07-02

How to Cite

Dimkova, B., Šajn, R., & Stafilov, T. (2024). Moss biomonitoring of the distribution of chemical elements in the air in the Prespa region, North Macedonia. Macedonian Journal of Ecology and Environment, 26(1), 25–37. Retrieved from https://mjee.org.mk/index.php/mjee/article/view/246