<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> The paper presents the preliminary results of using the herbarium specimens of selected mosses (Brachythecium rutabulum (Hedw.) Schimp., B. salebrosum (F.Weber &amp; D.Mohr) Schimp. and Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw, for assessment of changes in the heavy metals pollution in Katowice town. For the initial studies lead and cadmium have been chosen, which are among the most toxic heavy metals. Specimens originate from two periods: the nineties of 20th century and from 2012. To verify the correctness of assumption the control samples were selected from the collection of mosses from the Białowieża Primeval Forest considered as a “clean” part of Poland, in the nineties of 20th century, stored in the same conditions. The results obtained in these investigations confirm the possibility of application of herbarium specimens of mosses in the biological assessment of changes in lead and cadmium contamination.</abstract>

The paper presents the preliminary results of using the herbarium specimens of selected mosses (Brachythecium rutabulum (Hedw.) Schimp., B. salebrosum (F.Weber & D.Mohr) Schimp. and Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw, for assessment of changes in the heavy metals pollution in Katowice town. For the initial studies lead and cadmium have been chosen, which are among the most toxic heavy metals. Specimens originate from two periods: the nineties of 20th century and from 2012. To verify the correctness of assumption the control samples were selected from the collection of mosses from the Białowieża Primeval Forest considered as a “clean” part of Poland, in the nineties of 20th century, stored in the same conditions. The results obtained in these investigations confirm the possibility of application of herbarium specimens of mosses in the biological assessment of changes in lead and cadmium contamination.

Preliminary studies on possibility of using the herbarium specimens of mosses in the assessment of heavy metal pollution in Katowice (Silesian Upland, Poland)

Department of Chemical Hazards and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, ul. Kościelna 13, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland

Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Ostrogórska 30, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland

Acta Musei Silesiae, Scientiae Naturales

The paper presents the preliminary results of using the herbarium specimens of selected mosses (Brachythecium rutabulum (Hedw.) Schimp., B. salebrosum (F.Weber...

Preliminary studies on possibility of using the herbarium specimens of mosses in the assessment of heavy metal pollution in Katowice (Silesian Upland, Poland)

Published Online: Aug 14, 2013

Page range: 59 - 64

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/cszma-2013-0005

Keywords
mosses, cadmium, lead, heavy metal, pollution, biological assessment, Silesian Upland, Katowice, Silesia Province, Poland

This content is open access.

Preliminary studies on possibility of using the herbarium specimens of mosses in the assessment of heavy metal pollution in Katowice (Silesian Upland, Poland)

Published Online: Aug 14, 2013

Page range: 59 - 64

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/cszma-2013-0005

Keywordsmosses, cadmium, lead, heavy metal, pollution, biological assessment, Silesian Upland, Katowice, Silesia Province, Poland

This content is open access.

Keywords
mosses, cadmium, lead, heavy metal, pollution, biological assessment, Silesian Upland, Katowice, Silesia Province, Poland