Determination of heavy metal deposition in the county of Obrenovac (Serbia) using mosses as bioindicators: I. Aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), and boron (B)

Abstract

In the present study, the deposition of three heavy metals (Al, As and B) in the county of Obrenovac (Serbia) is determined using four moss taxa (Bryum argenteum, Bryum capillare, Brachythecium sp., and Hypnum cupressiforme) as bioindicators. Distribution of average heavy metal content in all mosses in the county of Obrenovac is presented in maps, while long-term atmospheric deposition (in the mosses Bryum argenteum and B. capillare) and short-term atmospheric deposition (in the mosses Brachythecium sp. and Hypnum cupressiforme) are discussed and given in tables. Areas of the highest contaminations are highlighted.

Keywords

• heavy metal deposition
• mosses
• bioindicators
• Serbia