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Air pollution control in Macedonia and Croatia by using moss biomonitoring

Anthropogenic environmental changes, associated mainly with chemical pollution, lead to a degradation of the natural human environment. Among chemical pollutants, trace elements are of special ecological, biological, and health significance. The production of energy and the consumption of natural resources are the main source of trace elements as contaminants. However, agricultural activities, especially the application of fertilisers and pesticides, also contribute significantly to trace metal pollution in the environment. Soil, as a part of the ecosystem, is vital for the survival of mankind which is closely connected to its productivity. Therefore, surveys of the air pollution by heavy metals on the territories of Macedonia and Croatia were performed within the framework of the International Cooperative Programme for the study of the effects of air pollution on natural vegetation and crops (UNECE ICP Vegetation) since 2000 and 2005, respectively. For that purpose, terrestrial moss samples were collected at locations evenly distributed all over Macedonia and Croatia. Various spectrometric (atomic absorption spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma – atomic emission spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry) and radioanalytical (neutron activation analysis) techniques were applied. Air pollution was investigated by the application of moss biomonitoring and dust samples (attic dust and house-hold dust). Pollution with heavy metals in particular regions was additionally investigated. It was found that the highest pollution is present in areas with abandoned or active mines, metallurgical plants, or thermoelectrical power plants. High content of some heavy metals was also found in areas were their contents usually vary gradually across the geochemical landscape and depend on the geochemistry of the underlying lithology. The distributions of such elements reflect natural processes indicated by elements that are either rarely or never involved in industrial processes. The obtained data were statistically processed and spatial and temporal distribution maps for each specific element were prepared to yield a proper interpretation of the obtained results. The overall aim of this paper is to further initiate, develop, and strengthen comprehensive systematic multidisciplinary scientific research as the key to achieving a better understanding of the environmental and health risks that result from air pollution on a local, regional, and global scale.

air pollution, heavy metals, moss biomonitoring, health and environmental risks, Macedonia, Croatia

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