Metal deposition pattern in Kumaon Hills (India) through active monitoring using moss Racomitrium crispulum

Biomonitoring is a method of observing the impact of external factors on ecosystems and their development over a long period. In this research the level of Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb has been determined in samples of the moss Racomitrium crispulum from the area of Almora, Nainital and Pithoragarh of Kumaon hills. High metallic load was observed in locations near proximity of higher traffic density area, which integrated due to enhanced tourism during summer, followed by winter and monsoon season; while in rural area high value of Zn, Cu and Cd attributes to their use in fertilizers. Positive significant correlations obtained between Pb-Zn and Zn-Cu suggest a common origin of these metals. Elemental concentration in Racomitrium.crispulum was in the order of Zn> Pb ~ Cu> Cd in summer, Zn> Cu > Pb > Cd in winter season and Zn> Cu > Pb > Cd in monsoon which reflect atmospheric trace elemental load. Bioaccumulation ability of this moss was evaluated statistically using DMR test and cartographically presented on contour maps obtained from SURFER program.