Seasonal changes in the dust nuisance and contamination of mosses in the experimental study area Ružomberok

Abstract

This study describes changes in dust composition during the growing season in the industrial zone of Ružomberok (northern Slovakia), analyzes how these changes are reflected in the composition of elements accumulated in the tissues of bryophytes and tries to identify which dust fractions are the carriers of chemical elements. For dust particle analysis, the environmental monitoring device GRIMM 1.109 (Germany) was used, and results were evaluated by multivariate analytical methods. Grain size fractions have been identified as those whose elements are fixed and not connected to any other fraction. This study deals with the differences between terrestrial and semi-terrestrial habitats in terms of accumulation of elements in bryophytes and with the kinetics of the uptake and discharge of heavy metals in the extra and intracellular compartments of bryophytes. While solving dust particle deposition at sites along river Váh near Lisková, three clusters were distinguished: I fraction 0.25 – 3.5 μm, II fraction 4.0 – 10.0 μm, and III fraction 12.5 - 20 μm. Sulphur binds to the finest fraction (0.25 - 3.5 micrometers), manganese, chromium, molybdenum, of non-metal chlorine bind to fraction II (4.0 to 10.0 micrometers). Only lead binds to fraction III (12.5 - 20 micrometers). Nearly 60% of dust deposition fell during the spring months (March to May). In flooded habitats, some elements are washed away by river water and discarded, while other elements are accumulated.