Management of the Quality of the Air in the Republic of Moldova Based on the Moss Biomonitoring Data

Abstract

The spatial distribution of 41 (Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Cd, Sb, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Tm, Yb, Hf, Ta, W, Pb, Th, and U) elements throughout the Moldova territory using the moss biomonitoring technique was explored in this study. Metal concentration in moss samples were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry. Comparison of the obtained data with other European countries, participating in “moss survey” revealed the highest concentrations of As, Sb, V and Fe in mosses collected in Moldova. The main air pollution sources in Moldova can be considered transport, industrial and agricultural activities. In order to assess the risk of elements considered as environmental pollutants on human health the average daily doses, Hazard Quotient and Hazard Index values for V, Cr, As, Zn, Sb, P, U, Cd and Cu were calculated. The values of Hazard Index calculated for V were higher than 1.0, indicating that this element can have a negative impact on children’s health.