Multivariate analysis of heavy metal concentrations in soils and mosses of two North-Italy regions

A biomonitoring survey involving the mosses Hyloco-mium splendens Hedw. and Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. was carried out in two regions of North Italy, Piedmont and Aosta Valley, to evaluate the concentration of the heavy metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn, and the trace elements Al, Co, Mn, Ti, and V, in soil and moss. Soil samples were taken from the areas where the moss samples were collected, and all the samples were analyzed for the same elements. The combined approach of using soils and mosses has revealed the origin of some of the fall-outs and permitted the discrimination of anthropogenic from pedo-logical/ geological sources. The origin of cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and zinc (Zn) is predominantly anthropogenic in Piedmont, while in the Aosta Valley only the origin of Hg can be considered to be predominantly anthropogenic. The heavy metal and trace element concentrations in mosses and soil were analyzed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA), permitting visualization of the combined distribution of the elements at the sites monitored. Site similarities and sites of most concern were also evaluated.