Monitoring of Metal Dispersion in Kumaon Hills (INDIA) Through Active Monitoring Using Moss

Bryophytes have been used as a terrestrial bio-monitors and bio-indicators of air pollution and are recognized as more sensitive to pollution than other plants. In present study common moss species, i.e. Rhodobryumgiganteum (Schwaegr) Par., Rhynchostegielladivaricatifolia (Renauld&Cardot), PohliaelongataHedw, Racomitriumcrispulum (Hook. f. et Wils.), Pleuroziumshcreberi, Hylocomiumsplendens, Hypnumcupressiforme, Brachytheciumrutabulum, Homalotheciumsericeum, Racomitriumcrispulum were collected from monitoring sites and were validated for their tolerance potential by measuring chlorophyll fluorescence signals. Amongst above species validated for tolerance, moss Racomitriumcrispulum (Hook. f. et Wils.) is inducted for monitoring program. Collected samples were air dried, then cleaned and digested. The levels of Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb have been determined in transplants of the moss Racomitriumcrispulum (Hook. f. et Wils.) from the area of Almora, Nainital and Pithoragarh of Kumaon hills. High metallic load was measured in moss harvested from locations in proximity of higher traffic density areas, which is attributed to the enhanced tourism during summer and monsoon season. In rural areas high value of Zn and, Cu attributes to their use in fertilizers. Positive significant correlations were obtained between Pb-Zn and Zn-Cu that suggest a common origin of these metals. Elemental concentration in moss Racomitriumcrispulum was in order Zn>Pb ~ Cu> Cd in summer while, same was Zn> Cu >Pb> Cd in winter season and in rain Zn> Cu >Pb> Cd that reflects 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.