ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Biomonitoring Air Pollution Using Moss
in Georgia
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1
I. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
2
I. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, E. Andronikashvili Institute of Physics, Tbilisi, Georgia
3
Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Moscow Region, Russian Federation
4
Geophysical Observatory Borok, Schmidt Institute of Physics of the Earth of the Russian Academy of Sciences,
Yaroslavl Region, Russian Federation
Submission date: 2017-03-23
Final revision date: 2017-05-15
Acceptance date: 2017-05-15
Online publication date: 2018-04-15
Publication date: 2018-05-30
Corresponding author
Marina Vladimirovna Frontasyeva
De[artment of Neutron Avtivation Analysis and Applied Research, Joint Institute for Nuclear ResearchDubna, Russia, str. Joliot-Curie, 6, 141980 Dubna, Russia
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2018;27(5):2259-2266
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ABSTRACT
The results of atmospheric deposition of trace elements in a 2015 moss survey in Georgia are
reported. The 36 moss samples were collected in different regions of the Caucasus in compliance with
the UNECE ICP Vegetation guidelines. Elemental determination was carried out by epithermal neutron
activation analysis (ENAA). For the first time, 47 elements were determined for the sampled areas. The
scanning electron microscopy with x-ray energy-dispersive analysis was applied to examine the origin of
atmospheric particles accumulated by mosses. Microanalysis of moss samples collected in the highlands
of Georgia showed the presence of clastic, anthropogenic, and cosmic dust particles. Comparison of the
determined values with corresponding data from a pristine area of Norway was carried out. Multivariate
statistical analysis of the results obtained was used to identify and characterize pollution sources in the
sampled areas of Georgia. Elevated levels of heavy metals were revealed in Western Georgia, where many
industrial mining enterprises and high-traffic roads are located.