Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Trace elements and nitrogen content in naturally growing moss Hypnum cupressiforme in urban and peri-urban forests of the Municipality of Ljubljana (Slovenia)

  • Research Article
  • Published:
Environmental Science and Pollution Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

We monitored trace metals and nitrogen using naturally growing moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. in urban and peri-urban forests of the City Municipality of Ljubljana. The aim of this study was to explore the differences in atmospheric deposition of trace metals and nitrogen between urban and peri-urban forests. Samples were collected at a total of 44 sites in urban forests (forests within the motorway ring road) and peri-urban forests (forests outside the motorway ring road). Mosses collected in urban forests showed increased trace metal concentrations compared to samples collected from peri-urban forests. Higher values were significant for As, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl and V. Within the motorway ring road, the notable differences in element concentrations between the two urban forests were significant for Cr, Ni and Mo. Factor analysis showed three groups of elements, highlighting the contribution of traffic emissions, individual heating appliances and the resuspension of contaminated soils and dust as the main sources of trace elements in urban forests.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abu-Allaban M, Gillies JA, Gertler AW, Clayton R, Proffitt D (2003) Tailpipe, resuspended road dust, and brake-wear emission factors from on-road vehicles. Atmos Environ 37:5283–5293

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • ARSO (2016) Climate characteristics of Ljubljana - Wind Rose for the City of Ljubljana. ARSO. http://meteo.arso.gov.si/uploads/probase/www/climate/table/sl/by_variable/wind/Ljubljana.html. Accessed 8 July 2016

  • Bates JW, Farmer AM (1990) An experimental study of calcium acquisition and its effects on the calcifuge moss Pleurozium schreberi. Ann Bot 65:87–96

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bates JW (1992) Mineral nutrient acquisition and retention by bryophytes. J Bryol 17:223–240

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bermejo-Orduna R, McBride JR, Shiraishi K, Elustondo D, Lasheras E, Santamaría JM (2014) Biomonitoring of traffic-related nitrogen pollution using Letharia vulpina (L.) Hue in the Sierra Nevada, California. Sci Total Environ 490:205–212

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Biasioli M, Barberis R, Ajmone-Marsan F (2006) The influence of a large city on some soil properties and metals content. Sci Total Environ 356:154–164

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brown DH, Bates JW (1990) Bryophytes and nutrient cycling. Bot J Linn Soc 104:129–147

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cegnar T, Gjerek M, Koleša T, Logar M, Murovec M, Planinšek A, Paradiž B, Faganeli Pucer J, Rode B, Rus M, Turšič J, Žabkar R (2015) Kakovost zraka v Sloveniji v letu 2014, Ministrstvo za okolje in prostor. Agencija RS za okolje, Ljubljana (in Slovenian)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dongarrà G, Manno E, Varrica D, Vultaggio M (2007) Mass levels, crustal component and trace elements in PM10 in Palermo, Italy. Atmos Environ 41:7977–7986

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Escobedo FJ, Nowak DJ (2009) Spatial heterogeneity and air pollution removal by an urban forest. Landsc Urban Plan 90:102–110

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • ESRI (2015) ArcGIS Desktop: Release 10.3.1. In: Redlands (Hrsg.). CA: Environmental Systems Research Institute

  • Fantozzi F, Monaci F, Blanusa T, Bargagli R (2013) Holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) canopy as interceptor of airborne trace elements and their accumulation in the litter and topsoil. Environ Pollut 183:89–95

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Glime JM (2006) Bryophyte ecology. Michigan Technological University and the International Association of Bryologists, pp. 631

  • Harmens H, Buse A, Büker P, Norris D, Mills G, Williams B, Reynolds B, Ashenden TW, Rühling Å, Steinnes E (2004) Heavy metal concentrations in European mosses: 2000/2001 survey. J Atmos Chem 49:425–436

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Harmens H, Norris D, and the participants of the moss survey (2010) Spatial and temporal trends in heavy metal accumulation in mosses in Europe (1990–2005), Programme Coordination Centre of the ICP. Vegetation, Bangor Gwynedd

    Google Scholar 

  • Harmens H, Norris D, Mills G, and the participants of the moss survey (2013) Heavy metals and nitrogen in mosses: spatial patterns in 2010/2011 and long-term temporal trends in Europe. ICP Vegetation Programme Coordination Centre, Bangor UK

    Google Scholar 

  • Hart BT (1982) Uptake of trace metals by sediments and suspended particulates: a review. Hydrobiologia 91:299–313

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • He ZL, Yang XE, Stoffella PJ (2005) Trace elements in agroecosystems and impacts on the environment. J Trace Elem Med Biol 19:125–140

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Herpin U, Berlekamp J, Markert B, Wolterbeek B, Grodzinska K, Siewers U, Lieth H, Weckert V (1996) The distribution of heavy metals in a transect of the three states the Netherlands, Germany and Poland, determined with the aid of moss monitoring. Sci Total Environ 187:185–198

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ho YB, Tai KM (1988) Elevated levels of lead and other metals in roadside soil and grass and their use to monitor aerial metal depositions in Hong Kong. Environ Pollut 49:37–51

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • ICP Vegetation Coordination Centre (2010) Monitoring of atmospheric heavy metal and nitrogen deposition in Europe using bryophytes—monitoring manual. ICP Vegetation Coordination Centre, Gwynedd

    Google Scholar 

  • Johansson C, Norman M, Burman L (2009) Road traffic emission factors for heavy metals. Atmos Environ 43:4681–4688

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Koleša T, Planinšek A (2013) Opredelitev virov delcev PM 10 v Ljubljani. Agancy, Slovenian Environment (in Slovenian)

    Google Scholar 

  • Krommer V, Zechmeister HG, Roder I, Scharf S, Hanus-Illnar A (2007) Monitoring atmospheric pollutants in the biosphere reserve Wienerwald by a combined approach of biomonitoring methods and technical measurements. Chemosphere 67:1956–1966

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lee CSL, Li X, Zhang G, Peng X, Zhang L (2005) Biomonitoring of trace metals in the atmosphere using moss (Hypnum plumaeforme) in the Nanling Mountains and the Pearl River Delta, Southern China. Atmos Environ 39:397–407

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Legret M, Pagotto C (2006) Heavy metal deposition and soil pollution along two major rural highways. Environ Technol 27:247–254

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lewis-Smith RI (1978) Summer and winter concentrations of sodium, potassium and calcium in some maritime Antarctic cryptogams. J Ecol 66:891–909

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Malea P, Haritonidis S, Kevrekidis T (1994) Seasonal and local variations of metal concentrations in the seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile in the Antikyra Gulf, Greece. Sci Total Environ 153:225–235

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Markert B, Wappelhorst O, Weckert V, Herpin U, Siewers U, Friese K, Breulmann G (1999) The use of bioindicators for monitoring the heavy-metal status of the environment. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 240:425–429

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Markert BA, Breure AM, Zechmeister HG (2003) Definitions, strategies and principles for bioindication/biomonitoring of the environment. In: B.A. Markert AMB, Zechmeister HG (eds) Trace metals and other contaminants in the environment. Elsevier, pp. 3–39

  • Meij R, te Winkel H (2007) The emissions of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants from modern coal-fired power stations. Atmos Environ 41:9262–9272

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miguel E, Llamas JF, Chacón E, Berg T, Larssen S, Røyset O, Vadset M (1997) Origin and patterns of distribution of trace elements in street dust: unleaded petrol and urban lead. Atmos Environ 31:2733–2740

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Naszradi T, Badacsonyi A, Keresztényi I, Podar D, Csintalan Z, Tuba Z (2007) Comparison of two metal surveys by moss Tortula ruralis in Budapest, Hungary. Environ Monit Assess 134:279–285

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nowak DJ, Hirabayashi S, Bodine A, Greenfield E (2014) Tree and forest effects on air quality and human health in the United States. Environ Pollut 193:119–129

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • OECD (2012): OECD Environmental Performance Reviews: Slovenia 2012. In: OECD (Hrsg.), Paris

  • Ogrin M, Vintar Mally K, Planinšek A, Gregorič A, Drinovec L, Močnik G (2016): Nitrogen dioxide and black carbon concentrations in Ljubljana. Faculty of Arts—Department of Geography

  • Økland T, Økland RH, Steinnes E (1999) Element concentrations in the boreal forest moss Hylocomium splendens: variation related to gradients in vegetation and local environmental factors. Plant Soil 209:71–83

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oliva SR, Espinosa AJF (2007) Monitoring of heavy metals in topsoils, atmospheric particles and plant leaves to identify possible contamination sources. Microchem J 86:131–139

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pacyna JM, Pacyna EG (2001) An assessment of global and regional emissions of trace metals to the atmosphere from anthropogenic sources worldwide. Environ Rev 9:269–298

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pearson J, Wells DM, Seller KJ, Bennet A, Soares A, Woodland J, Ingrouille MJ (2000) Traffic exposure increases natural 15N and heavy metal concentrations in mosses. New Phytol 147:317–326

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Puckett KJ (1988) Bryophytes and lichens as monitors of metal deposition, 30. Bibliotheca Lichenologica, 231 pp

  • R Development Core Team (2016) R: a language and environment for statistical computing. R Fundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria

    Google Scholar 

  • Rainbow PS, Phillips DJH (1993) Cosmopolitan biomonitors of trace metals. Mar Pollut Bull 26:593–601

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reimann C, de Caritat P (1998) Chemical elements in the environment—factsheets for the geochemist and environmental scientist. Springer, 387 pp

  • Reimann C, Arnoldussen A, Boyd R, Finne TE, Nordgulen O, Volden T, Englmaier P (2006) The influence of a city on element contents of a terrestrial moss (Hylocomium splendens). Sci Total Environ 369:419–432

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rühling Å, Tyler G (1970) Sorption and retention of heavy metals in the woodland moss Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.) Br. et Sch. Oikos 21:92–97

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sabovljević M, Vujičić M, Pantović J, Sabovljević A (2014) Bryophyte conservation biology: in vitro approach to the ex situ conservation of bryophytes from Europe. Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology 148:857–868

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schauer JJ, Lough GC, Shafer MM, Christensen WF, Arndt MF, DeMinter JT, Park J-S (2006) Characterization of metals emitted from motor vehicles. Research report (Health Effects Institute), 1–76; discussion 77

  • Schilling JS, Lehman ME (2002) Bioindication of atmospheric heavy metal deposition in the Southeastern US using the moss Thuidium delicatulum. Atmos Environ 36:1611–1618

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Senesi GS, Baldassarre G, Senesi N, Radina B (1999) Trace element inputs into soils by anthropogenic activities and implications for human health: matter and energy fluxes in the anthropocentric environment. Chemosphere 39:343–377

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skudnik M, Jeran Z, Batič F, Simončič P, Lojen S, Kastelec D (2014) Influence of canopy drip on the indicative N, S and δ15N content in moss Hypnum cupressiforme. Environ Pollut 190:27–35

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skudnik M, Jeran Z, Batič F, Simončič P, Kastelec D (2015) Potential environmental factors that influence the nitrogen concentration and δ15N values in the moss Hypnum cupressiforme collected inside and outside canopy drip lines. Environ Pollut 198:78–85

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Slovenian Infrastructure Agency (2014) Taffic loads in Slovenia

  • Stalnaker D, Turner J, Parekh D, Whittle B, Norton R (1996) Indoor simulation of tire wear: some case studies. Tire Science and Technology 24:94–118

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Steinnes E, Rühling Å, Lippo H, Mäkinen A (1997) Reference materials for large-scale metal deposition surveys. Accred Qual Assur 2:243–249

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • SURS (2014) Statistical yearbook 2013. Ljubljana: City of Ljubljana, Ljubljana (in Slovenian)

  • Szczepaniak K, Biziuk M (2003) Aspects of the biomonitoring studies using mosses and lichens as indicators of metal pollution. Environ Res 93:221–230

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thorpe A, Harrison RM (2008) Sources and properties of non-exhaust particulate matter from road traffic: a review. Sci Total Environ 400:270–282

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thurston GD, Ito K, Lall R (2011) A source apportionment of U.S. fine particulate matter air pollution. Atmos Environ 45:3924–3936

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tyler G (1990) Bryophytes and heavy metals: a literature review. Bot J Linn Soc 104:231–253

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tyler T, Olsson PA (2016) Substrate pH ranges of south Swedish bryophytes—identifying critical pH values and richness patterns. Flora - Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants 223:74–82

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tyrväinen L, Pauleit S, Seeland K, de Vries S (2005) Benefits and uses of urban forests and trees. In: Konijnendijk C, Nilsson K, Randrup T, Schipperijn J (eds) Urban forests and trees: a reference book. Springer Berlin Heidelberg, Berlin, Heidelberg, pp. 81–114

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Urbančič M, Kobal M, Ferreira A, Simončič P (2010) Forest soil in the municipality of Ljubljana. Gozdarski Vestnik 68:292–300 (in Slovenian)

    Google Scholar 

  • Vilhar U, Žlindra D, Ruper M, Simončič P (2014) Monitoring of ambient air quality in forests. Vetrnica:109–119 (in Slovenian)

  • von Uexküll O, Skerfving S, Doyle R, Braungart M (2005) Antimony in brake pads—a carcinogenic component? J Clean Prod 13:19–31

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vujičić M, Sabovljević A, Sabovljević M (2011) Axenically culturing the bryophytes: establishment and propagation of the moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. (Bryophyta, Hypnaceae) in in vitro conditions. Botanica Serbica 35:71–77

    Google Scholar 

  • Weckwerth G (2001) Verification of traffic emitted aerosol components in the ambient air of Cologne (Germany). Atmos Environ 35:5525–5536

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wells JM, Brown DH (1996) Mineral nutrient recycling within shoots of the moss Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus in relation to growth. J Bryol 19:1–17

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wik A, Dave G (2009) Occurrence and effects of tire wear particles in the environment—a critical review and an initial risk assessment. Environ Pollut 157:1–11

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wolterbeek B (2002) Biomonitoring of trace element air pollution: principles, possibilities and perspectives. Environ Pollut 120:11–21

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zechmeister HG, Hohenwallner D, Riss A, Hanus-Illnar A (2003) Variations in heavy metal concentrations in the moss species Abietinella abietina (Hedw.) Fleisch. according to sampling time, within site variability and increase in biomass. Sci Total Environ 301:55–65

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zechmeister HG, Dullinger S, Hohenwallner D, Riss A, Hanus-Illnar A, Scharf S (2006) Pilot study on road traffic emissions (PAHs, heavy metals) measured by using mosses in a tunnel experiment in Vienna, Austria. Environ Sci Pollut Res 13:398–405

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This research was funded by EMoNFUr project LIFE10ENV/IT 399: ‘Establishing a monitoring network to assess lowland forest and urban plantation in Lombardy and urban forest in Slovenia’ and by the Municipality of Ljubljana. We thank the Slovene Human Resources Development and Scholarship Fund (contract no. 11011-33/2012) and the Ministry of Science of the Republic of Serbia (grant no. 173030). This research was realized through the frame of bilateral cooperation between Serbia and Slovenia.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    S. Berisha

  2. Department of Forest and Landscape Planning and Monitoring, Slovenian Forestry Institute, Večna pot 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    M. Skudnik

  3. Department of Forest Ecology, Slovenian Forestry Institute, Večna pot 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    U. Vilhar

  4. Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Takovska 43, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia

    M. Sabovljević

  5. Department of Forest Yield and Silviculture and Department of Forest Physiology and Genetics, Slovenian Forestry Institute, Večna pot 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    S. Zavadlav

  6. Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Z. Jeran

Authors
  1. S. Berisha
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. M. Skudnik
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. U. Vilhar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. M. Sabovljević
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. S. Zavadlav
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Z. Jeran
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. Skudnik.

Additional information

Responsible editor: Roberto Terzano

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Berisha, S., Skudnik, M., Vilhar, U. et al. Trace elements and nitrogen content in naturally growing moss Hypnum cupressiforme in urban and peri-urban forests of the Municipality of Ljubljana (Slovenia). Environ Sci Pollut Res 24, 4517–4527 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-016-8201-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-016-8201-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation