HEAVY-METALS AND SULFUR IN MOSSES FROM SOUTHERN SPITSBERGEN

Concentrations of Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn and S were determined in 16 moss species collected from 9 localities in southern Spitsbergen (mostly within the Hornsund region). Two species, Sanionia uncinata and Hylocomium splendens, were objects of more thorough studies. In Sanionia uncinata the mean concentrations were (mu-g/g): Cd-0.59, Pb-7.07, Ni-4.25, Cu-6.01, Zn-21.13 and S-1,481. Hylocomium splendens accumulated similar quantities of these elements. The concentrations of metals and sulphur in mosses differed significantly (p < 0.05) from site to site, depending on geological and climatic conditions specific to the Arctic region. The effect of remote sources of pollution reaching Spitsbergen on the levels of heavy metal concentrations was taken into account, as well as the effect of local emissions from the Polish Polar Station. At 10-25 metre distances from the Station, the levels of heavy metals and sulphur were 3-10 times higher than at a 300-metre distance.