Assessment of atmospheric zinc deposition in the Kaliningrad Region using amphipod moss species
Abstract
This study focuses on investigating atmospheric zinc deposition in the Kaliningrad Region using biomonitoring methods. The moss species Pleurosium schreberi and Hylocomium splendens, collected in 2020, were selected as bioindicators. The primary aim of the study was to assess the spatial distribution of atmospheric air pollution by zinc in the region and to identify its sources. Epithermal neutron activation analysis was used to determine the metal content in the moss samples. The obtained data were processed using statistical methods and backward air mass trajectory modeling. The results indicated that zinc concentrations in the mosses varied significantly, reaching maximum values in the southern and central parts of the region. A comparison with 2015 data revealed a 46 % increase in zinc accumulation levels. The study established that the main sources of pollution include both local industrial facilities and transboundary transport of air masses from Europe, particularly under prevailing southwesterly winds.