Temporal changes of atmospheric deposition of major and trace elements in European Turkey, Thrace region

Abstract

In the present study, the actual levels and temporal changes of 34 major and trace elements were examined in 44 moss samples Hypnum cuppressiforme collected across Thrace region. The concentrations of Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Sb, V, and Zn were found to be higher than the local background in the vicinity of Corlu, one of the most industrialized cities in Thrace region. The concentrations of Fe and Pb exceeded the local background level in the locations close to the Istanbul Airport construction. The highest concentrations of As, Cd, and Sb were found in Istanbul metropolitan area most probably due to intense traffic and industrial activities. Enrichment factors were calculated between 1.4 and 15.8, and Cd is the highest value among the investigated elements. The median levels of some significant anthropogenic elements including As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Sb in moss samples remained unchanged over sixteen years, suggesting that the actions were insufficient to reduce the release of these elements.