Metal accumulation in mosses across national boundaries: Uncovering and ranking causes of spatial variation

TitleMetal accumulation in mosses across national boundaries: Uncovering and ranking causes of spatial variation
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2008
AuthorsSchroder W., Pesch R., Englert C., Harmens H., Suchara I., Zechmeister H.G, Thoeni L., Mankovska B., Jeran Z., Grodzinska K., Alber R.
JournalEnvironmental Pollution
Volume151
Pagination377-388
Date PublishedJan
ISBN Number0269-7491
Accession NumberWOS:000253752400015
Keywordsheavy metals
Abstract

This study aimed at cross-border mapping metal loads in mosses in eight European countries in 1990, 1995, and 2000 and at investigating confounding factors. Geostatistics was used for mapping, indicating high local variances but clear spatial autocorrelations. Inference statistics identified differences of metal concentrations in mosses on both sides of the national borders. However, geostatistical analyses did not ascertain discontinuities of metal concentrations in mosses at national borders due to sample analysis in different laboratories applying a range of analytical techniques. Applying Classification and Regression Trees (CART) to the German moss data as an example, the local variation in metal concentrations in mosses were proved to depend mostly on different moss species, potential local emission sources, canopy drip and precipitation. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Alternate JournalEnviron Pollut