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Moss-based biomonitoring of combustion-and industry-related heavy metal emissions: a case study from the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan
Summary
Active and passive moss biomonitoring across the Karabakh region revealed elevated heavy metal concentrations — especially arsenic and lead near mining and demolition sites — with spatial mapping confirming industrial emissions, road dust, and construction activities as primary sources. Biomonitoring methods developed for heavy metals are directly transferable to microplastic atmospheric deposition research, as both contaminants share airborne transport pathways and accumulate in similar environmental matrices.
Atmospheric deposition of heavy metals remains a significant environmental concern in regions undergoing rapid redevelopment, particularly where industrial, military, and mining activities intersect with large-scale construction.This study applied both active and passive biomonitoring approaches using the moss species Leucobryum glaucum to quantify and spatially map airborne Zn, Cu, As, Pb, and Cd across multiple sites in the Karabakh region.For active biomonitoring, pre-cleaned moss was enclosed in nylon mesh bags and deployed 1-3 m above ground for a 59-day exposure period, while passive biomonitoring utilized native moss from relatively undisturbed microhabitats within each site.Samples were digested using a microwave-assisted HNO 3 /H 2 O 2 protocol and analyzed by ICP techniques.Results revealed distinct spatial variability, with the highest concentrations of As and Pb recorded in Karkijahan and Agdere, correlating with proximity to mining zones, demolition sites, and areas where blasting operations are conducted during reconstruction.Across all locations, native moss exhibited higher accumulation than moss bags, reflecting longer-term exposure and superior retention efficiency.The mean heavy metal concentration hierarchy was Zn > Cu > As > Pb > Cd, indicating elevated Zn and Cu levels region-wide and localized As/Pb hotspots linked to anthropogenic sources.Spatial distribution mapping confirmed that industrial emissions, road dust resuspension, and mechanical disturbances from infrastructure rebuilding significantly influence contaminant loads.This work demonstrates the utility of L. glaucum as a sensitive bioindicator for short-and long-term monitoring and underscores the need for integrated biomonitoring programs to assess and mitigate air quality impacts in rapidly transforming landscapes