ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Determination of Heavy Metal Concentration in Mosses of Słowiński National Park Using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and Neutron Activation Analysis Methods
N. Bykowszczenko1, I. Baranowska-Bosiacka2, B. Bosiacka3, A. Kaczmarek1, D. Chlubek2
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1 Institute of Chemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Chemical Engineering,
Technical University of Szczecin, Piastów 42 av., 71-065, Szczecin, Poland
2 Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University,
Powst. Wielkopolskich 72 av., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
3 Department of Plant Taxonomy and Phytogeography, University of Szczecin,
Wąska 13 st., 71-415 Szczecin, Poland
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2006;15(1):41-46
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ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to (i) determine environmental pollution in Słowiński National Park on the basis of Zn, Fe, Ni, Cd and Cr concentrations in Pleurozium schreberi gametophores, (ii) draw a map of heavy metal concentrations in the area and (iii) compare the results with previous reports. Samples of Pleurozium schreberi were collected from 27 locations in Słowiński National Park in 2002. Cd concentration was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), and Zn, Fe, Ni and Cr concentrations were determined using neutron activation analysis. The results of our research suggest a reduction of heavy metal contamination in the area of Słowiński National Park over the last 27 years and confirmed that the area is one of the cleanest in Poland and may still serve as a reference background for determining pollution in other areas.