Atmospheric deposition of heavy metals in northern Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina studied by the moss biomonitoring, neutron activation analysis and GIS technology

Abstract

The results on atmospheric deposition of heavy metals and other trace elements using the moss biomonitoring technique in the northern part of Serbia and some areas of Bosnia-Herzegovina are presented. Samples of Hypnum cupressiforme along with some other moss types were collected at 92 sites during the summer of 2000. A total of 44 elements were determined by INAA using epithermal neutrons. High values of Cl and V content in the moss samples at certain areas are suspected to be associated with fires in oil refineries damaged during the 1999 NATO military action.