Biomonitoring is a method of observing the impact of external factors on ecosystems and their development over a long period. In this research the level of Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb has been determined in samples of the moss Racomitrium crispulum from the area of Almora, Nainital and Pithoragarh of Kumaon hills. High metallic load was observed in locations near proximity of higher traffic density area, which integrated due to enhanced tourism during summer, followed by winter and monsoon season; while in rural area high value of Zn, Cu and Cd attributes to their use in fertilizers. Positive significant correlations obtained between Pb-Zn and Zn-Cu suggest a common origin of these metals. Elemental concentration in Racomitrium.crispulum was in the order of Zn> Pb ~ Cu> Cd in summer, Zn> Cu > Pb > Cd in winter season and Zn> Cu > Pb > Cd in monsoon which reflect atmospheric trace elemental load. Bioaccumulation ability of this moss was evaluated statistically using DMR test and cartographically presented on contour maps obtained from SURFER program.

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METAL DEPOSITION PATTERN IN KUMAON HILLS (INDIA) THROUGH ACTIVE MONITORING USING MOSS Racomitrium Crispulum

Biological monitoring has become an important tool for evaluating the negative blow of human activities on the atmosphere. Due to ever-increasing population alongside other environmental problems, introduction of heavy metals in our surroundings is a huge drawback to the sustainable environment. Heavy metal pollution of the biosphere has augmented piercingly since 1900. These metals, though being deposited constantly in minute amounts, may build up in the surroundings over extended periods of time and will most likely create potential ecological and human wellbeing hazards in upcoming future. Thus, it appears very imperative to develop and perk up an enduring reflexive monitoring method to evaluate the nature and intensity of heavy metal and gaseous pollutions. In this review, the potential of bryophytes has been discussed in light of notable researches in this direction worldwide.

Bryomonitoring of Environmental Pollution

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Recent literature on bryophytes—114(2)

In current effort the level of selected atmospheric pollutants viz. S, Cu, Cd, Zn, Pb and Co was projected in samples of the common thalloid liverwort Riccia billardieri Mont. & Nees ex Gottsche, Lindenb. & Nees, from Mount Abu, (Rajasthan, India). Concentration of studied elements in plant tissue for R. billardieri was reported in the order of S> Zn> Pb> Cu> Cd>Co, while in substrate it was Zn> Pb> Cu> Cd> S> Co. Quantitative analysis of these elements in vegetative thalli of R. billardieri and the substrate showed a remarkable increase in metallic content during winter, which reveals the significance of this thalloid liverwort as an effective biological sink for metal pollutants present in the soil and air.

Biomonitoring of Heavy Metal Pollution at Mount Abu (Rajasthan, India) using Riccia Billardieri Mont. & Nees Ex Gottsche, Lindenb. & Nees (Bryophyta: Hepaticae)

With the aim to obtain information about atmospheric deposition of metals all over the western Himalayas (Kumaon region) using moss as bioaccumulator, a biomonitoring program was setup by financial aid of the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India. Present study is a part of the same monitoring program. The moss Racomitrium crispulum was sampled from 24 localities of Nainital of the Kumaon Hills to indicate relative level of four metals: Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd. In summation of undertaken metals the highest 70% concentration of metals was observed in centre of the city. A gradient of decrease in metal was recorded while projecting away from city centre (zero km). A trend of metal precipitation was observed amongst seasons, viz. summer > winter > monsoon. The accumulation level of metals in the moss also varies amongst themselves, i.e. Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd. The moss metal-metal regression analysis correlation (R) exhibits that it gives significance for Pb-Zn (0.8088), Cu-Zn ...

M. Saiful-Arfeen

Papers

Seasonal passive metal monitoring during the years 2003–2006 in nainital of Kumaon Hills (India) by moss Racomitrium crispulum