Atmospheric Deposition of Heavy Metals around the Lead and Copper-Zinc Smelters in Baia Mare, Romania, Studied by the Moss Biomonitoring Technique, Neutron Activation Analysis and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

The mosses Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum and Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus were used as biomonitors to study the atmospheric deposition of heavy metals around the lead and copper-zinc smelters in Baia Mare. Samples representing the last three years' growth of moss or its green part, collected on the ground at 28 sites located 2-17 km from the source area, were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis using epithermal neutrons and by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. A total of 31 elements were determined, including most of the heavy metals characteristic of emissions from this kind industry. The observed data for Pb, As, Cu, and Cd are all high compared with those observed in other regions of Europe with similar industries, but the concentrations in moss approach regional background levels at a distance of about 8 km from the main source area. Factor analysis of the data distinguishes two industrial components, one characterized by Pb, Cu, As, and Sb, and another one by Zn and Cd. A strong crustal component including five major elements (Na, Mg, Al, Ti, Fe) and an additional number of trace elements (Sc, V, Cr, Cs, Ba, REE, Th) also appears to be derived mainly from industrial sources. The mean I value in the present material is 5 times lower than the corresponding level in moss in Norway, and also consistently lower than elsewhere in Europe, a fact which evidence the endemic character of the examined area due to iodine depletion

A Heavy Metal Atmospheric Deposition Study Around the Lead and CopperZinc Smelters in Baia Mare, Romania, Employing the Moss Biomonitoring Technique, ENAA and FAAS

The mosses Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum and Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus were used as biomonitors to study the atmospheric deposition of metals around the lead and copperzinc smelters in Baia Mare. Samples representing the last three years' growth of moss or its green part, collected on the ground at 28 sites located 220 km from the source area, were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis using epithermal neutrons (ENAA) and by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). A total of 30 elements were determined, including most of the heavy metals known to be released into the air from this kind of industry. Obtained concentrations for As and Cu are comparable with those observed in Karabash, South Ural Mountains, one of the most polluted regions in Europe. Besides, these two elements correlate very well with each other. The mean values for Zn (136 ppm) and Pb (41 ppm) are substantially higher than those normally found in the literature. The highest value for Pb (175 ppm) was observed in a sample collected in the vicinity of the lead plant. The mean value for Sb (0.56 ppm) is much higher than the background level in Norway but 5 times lower than the mean Sb concentration in parts of the South Ural Mountains. A high correlation between Pb and Sb was observed. Moreover this study evidences the endemic character of the examined area due to iodine depletion. Its mean value in the moss is 2.5 times lower than the background level in Norway and systematically lower than the mean European values