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Establishing trace element concentrations for lichens and bryophytes in the ring of fire region of the Hudson Bay Lowlands, Ontario, Canada

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Abstract

Peatlands dominate the landscape of the Hudson Bay Lowlands in Ontario, Canada. Recently, mineral deposits of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu) were discovered in the region and anticipated future industrial mining operations have the potential to impact the environment. Lichens and bryophytes are considered excellent biomonitors and indicators of deposition, deriving their nutrients directly from the atmosphere. Trace element concentrations in lichens and bryophytes have not been reported in the Hudson Bay Lowlands. Here, we seek to determine the baseline trace element concentrations of six non-vascular species (Evernia mesomorpha, Bryoria spp., Cladonia stellaris, Cladonia stygia, Sphagnum fuscum, and Sphagnum capillifolium) common to the region, explore linear relationships of trace elements with iron (Fe) as a signature of particulates with geogenic origin, and calculate trace element enrichment factors. Thalli, foliage, and peat (0–30 cm) were collected from 55 locations between 2013 and 2018 and analyzed for trace elements. Thalli and foliar concentrations are among the lowest reported in the broader literature and differ substantially from peat. Fe concentrations were significantly correlated (Pearson’s r ≥ 0.8) with aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), and vanadium (V) in all six species. Enrichment factors show some anthropogenic deposition effects non-vascular organism chemistry. Most trace element concentrations in lichens and bryophytes are indicative of long-range atmospheric transport of dust, but some is attributed to industry, with only minimal inclusions from the local area. Epiphytic lichens are well suited for ongoing atmospheric biomonitoring as industrialization commences.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Lindsay Freeman, Troy McMullin, Jenifer Doubt, Michele Williamson, Murray Dixon, Chris Charron, Katherine Carey, Zachary Ramwa, and Laboratory Services Branch of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

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  1. Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, 125 Resources Road, Toronto, ON, M9P 3V6, Canada

    Andrew M. McDonough, Adam W. Bird, Michael A. Luciani & Aaron K. Todd

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Andrew McDonough conducted the field and lab work and wrote much of the paper. All the other authors conducted field and lab work and contributed to writing the paper.

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McDonough, A.M., Bird, A.W., Luciani, M.A. et al. Establishing trace element concentrations for lichens and bryophytes in the ring of fire region of the Hudson Bay Lowlands, Ontario, Canada. Environ Monit Assess 194, 226 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-022-09890-0

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