HEAVY-METALS IN BULK PRECIPITATION AND TRANSPLANTED HYPOGYMNIA-PHYSODES AND DICRANOWEISIA-CIRRATA IN THE VICINITY OF A DANISH STEELWORKS

H. physodes (L.) Nyl. and D. cirrata (Hedw.) Lindb. were transplanted to 12 stations in the vicinity of the steelworks in Frederiksvaerk, Denmark. The transplants were exposed for 7 mo. and samples were taken after 31, 64, 104, 154, 184 and 214 days. Bulk precipitation was collected simultaneously. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in transplants and bulk precipitation. The amounts of accumulated metals in the transplants were linearly correlated with fallout from the atmosphere, the bryophytes accumulating the metals slightly faster than the lichens. Metal concentrations in the transplants and bulk precipitation followed a decreasing power curve when the distance to the steelworks was increased. Transplanted lichens and bryophytes can be applied as monitor organisms of heavy metal pollution from the air.