Determination of heavy metals in mosses (PYLAISIA POLYANTHA) along the high – intensive traffic flow in Geležinis vilkas street (Vilnius, Lithuania)

Abstract

Atmospheric pollution generated by motor vehicular exhaust has become one of the major reason for scientific and public concern on a world scale. The area of investigations was situated near the main park of Vilnius (Vingis park) and Geležinis Vilkas street (Lithuania). The place for the sampling of mosses was chosen according to the high intensive flow traffic that can cause possible pollution to the atmosphere. All samples of mosses were taken in this order: 5, 15, 25, 35, 45 meters from the Geležinis Vilkas street. Heavy metals (HM) were investigated by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), using 210VGP absorption spectrophotometer at VGTU laboratory. Results of investigation determined, that HM content in samples of Pylaisia polyantha mosses decreased with a distance from the street. The highest concentrations of HM pollutants were found at the distance 5 and 15 meters from the Geležinis Vilkas street. Accumulations of HM were found in samples of mosses in this order: Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr, Ni.