The influence of Chemical Works “Police” on chemical composition of Pinus sylvestris needles, Pleurozium schreberi and soil samples

The aim of this study was an evaluation of the influence of Chemical Works “Police” (“Grupa Azoty”) on total S, N, C, Mg, K, Ca, Na Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni and Zn concentrations in II-year-old needles of Pinus sylvestris L., Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt. and soil samples. The research material was collected in spring 2013 in the coniferous habitats. The total Hg content was determined by Mercury Analyzer AMA 254. The total content of S, N and C was analysed by COSTECH CHNS elementary analyser. The total content of other elements was determined using atomic absorption spectrometer ASA iCE 3000. The highest mercury content was similar in pine needles (0.06 mg • kg^-1 d. w.) and in moss (0.07 mg • kg^-1 d. w.). The soil samples pH value was typical for rusty soils, in which the obtained pH-KCl value was 3.13-4.39 and pH-H₂O was 3.69-5.14 (extreme acid soils). The Zn, Pb, Ni, Hg, Fe, Cu and Cr concentrations were higher in moss than in needles. The content of Pb in Pleurozium schreberi (3.13 mg • kg^-1 d. w.) was few times higher than in Pinus sylvestris needles (0.073- 0.817 mg • kg^-1 d. w.). The soil contamination with heavy metals was not observed. There has been almost a double reduction of sulphur content in pine needles and moss over last 20 years.