Zinc, lead and cadmium content in meadow plants and mosses along the M3 Motorway (Hungary)

The heavy metal content was investigated in meadow plants located in a cultivated area and situated along the M3 motorway (Hungary). In addition to the meadow plants used as passive bioindicators, active bioindicators were also exposed to examine the accumulation rate of air pollutants. Tortula ruralis (Hedw.) Geartn. ssp. ruralis was applied to monitor the status of the environment. Meadow plant samples were collected at distances of 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 m from the motorway and moss samples were exposed at the same distances. The zinc, lead and cadmium content of meadow plants and moss samples were analysed by ICP spectrophotometry. It was found that the zinc, lead and cadmium contents of the meadow plants decreased as the distance increased from the motorway. There was a significant difference even between values measured at the distances of 5 m and 10 m. The heavy metal contents in the moss samples exceeded those of the meadow plants. The heavy metal content in moss samples decreased with distance from the motorway. On comparing the data with Hungarian standards, it was found that measured values did not exceed the maximum allowed concentration levels.