Estimation of atmospheric deposition utilizing lichen Hypogymnia physodes, moss Hypnum cupressiforme and soil in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Samples of lichens, mosses and soil were used to compare lichen Hypogymnia physodes and moss Hypnum Cupressiforme as air pollution bioindicators by heavy metals and for air and soil pollution estimation. The content of heavy metals Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry, and Hg was determined by cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry. Mean concentrations of Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in lichens were 17.77, 0.49, 1.20, 7.73, 9.61, 4179, 0.014, 35.05, 7.30, 12.18 and 41.32 mg/kg, in mosses 19.34, 0.62, 3.01, 11.34, 10.48, 1696, 0.043, 135, 13.68, 54.52 and 54.79 mg/kg, and finally in soil 96.50, 2.23, 15.77, 46.79, 30.35, 24,343, 0.338, 833, 55.71, 42.86 and 86.19, respectively. Comparison of metal content in lichens and mosses sampled at the same locations showed a very strong to strong correlation for Bi, Ni, Cd, Fe, Pb, Co and Cr. Metal content in biological materials ranged from very high naturality to very high alteration. Very strong correlations of Bi with Cd and Pb and strong correlations for the pairs of Bi–Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Ni–Co, Cr–Cu, Cd–Co, Co–Cr and Co–Hg were obtained in lichens. In the case of mosses, very strong correlations were obtained for Bi–Cd and Bi–Pb and strong correlations of Cd with Co, Ni, and Pb, Cr with Hg and Co were determined. In addition, the results were interpreted through enrichment factors reflecting the atmospheric availability of anthropogenic pollutant heavy metals.