Bryomonitoring of atmospheric elements in Sphagnum sp. commonly growing bryophyte in the Indian Himalayan region of Uttarakhand

Abstract

For a range of metals originating from both natural and anthropogenic sources, bryophytes are helpful biological markers of environmental contamination. This research focuses on recent changes in air quality and uses a passive biomonitoring technique to estimate atmospheric metal deposition and its seasonal trend in Sphagnum sp., as well as its substrate, from Nainital, Bhimtal, and Mangoli of Uttarakhand, India. Bryophyte samples from the summer, winter and monsoon seasons were collected from equally spaced locations. Due to the large volume of travel, a high metal concentration was discovered in Nainital. The metal deposition loads were reported in the following order: Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd. Quantitative analysis of these elements in vegetative/plants and substrate/soil showed an increase in metallic content during summer. The results indicate this moss may serve as an important tool in estimation of both aerial pollution and mineral enrichment in soil.  Such research is vital since development is frequently accompanied by unfavourable changes in air quality and negative impacts of air pollution on human health, agricultural production, and natural ecosystems that need to be monitored and mitigated.