The use of neutron activation analysis in the biomonitoring of trace element deposition in the opole province

Abstract

The neutron activation analysis procedure was used to determine the concentration of 42 elements: Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Nb, Mo, I, Ag, Cd, Sb, Ba, Cs, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb, Hf, Ta, W, Au, Hg, Th, and U accumulated in mosses sampled for testing in September and October 2011 in the Opole Province (Southern Poland). Samples of different moss species were collected near the intersections of the grid lines marked on the map of the province. The distance between the points was approximately 20 km. The analysis of the results made it possible to identify the places of increased deposition of element-pollutants and to indicate the potential sources of emission. Factor analysis revealed four components, two of which are of definite anthropogenic origin. The possible sources of elements are local industry and farming, and distant heavy industry complexes. The results have demonstrated the increased content of Cr, Cd, Hg, and U in moss samples collected in agricultural areas located in the southern part of the province. It has been concluded that the industrial areas of Rybnik and Ostrava and Karvina Coal Basin may be the potential source of emission of these elements.