Spatial distribution of multi-elements in moss revealing heavy metal precipitation in London Island, Svalbard, Arctic

The Arctic is a sink for major pollutants in the Northern Hemisphere, and is an ideal place to investigate the migration of concerned metals on the local environment. In this study, 13 elements including Li, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb were determined in mosses (Dicranum angustum) from London Island in Ny-& Aring;lesund. The results showed that the concentrations of different elements varied greatly at different altitudes, while their distributions in low (0-200 m) and high (200-300 m) altitudes based on cluster analysis were significantly different. Among them, Li, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, and As showed significant positive correlations with elevation. This result may be due to the influence of key environmental factors such as elements transported by the airborne dust carried by winds, and surface runoff from snow meltwater. Multiple receptor models (PCA, PMF, and UNMIX) were employed to discuss the sources of metals in mosses from London Island. Elements that showed positive correlation with altitude were attributed to natural sources, and Zn, Cd, Hg, and Pb, which lacked apparent correlation with elevation, were interpreted as from anthropogenic sources by the models. Among them, Zn, Cd, and Hg were from long-range deposition, while Pb was from mixed industrial sources.

Automated summary

The Arctic serves as a sink for pollutants in the Northern Hemisphere, making it an ideal location to study the migration of metals in the local environment. This study focuses on determining the concentrations of 13 elements in mosses from London Island and analyzing their distribution patterns at different altitudes. Multiple receptor models were used to identify the sources of these metals, with the results suggesting both natural and anthropogenic origins.