Trace elements in Polytrichum commune and Polytrichastrum formosum from the Karkonosze Mountains (SW Poland).

The Karkonosze National Park, an unique mountainous biosphere reserve, is influenced by long-distance anthropogenic atmospheric transport of among others trace elements and additionally by local tourist centres, which may be supplementary sources of pollution. Discharged trace elements are non-degradable, and their level must be precisely monitored. Therefore, the concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb and Zn in Polytrichum commune and Polytrichastrum formosum collected from the Karkonosze sites influenced only by long-range pollution and from sites in the vicinity of local tourist centres were established.

Trace metal concentrations and their transfer from sediment to leaves of four common aquatic macrophytes.

In the present study, the concentrations of trace and alkali metals in leaves of four common helophytes, Sparganium erectum, Glyceria maxima, Phalaris arundinacea, and Phragmites australis, as well as in corresponding water and bottom sediments were investigated to ascertain plant bioaccumulation ability. Results showed that Mn and Fe were the most abundant trace metals in all plant species, while Co and Pb contents were the lowest. Leaves of species studied differed significantly in respect of element concentrations.

Chromium and nickel in Pteridium aquilinum from environments with various levels of these metals.

Pteridium aquilinum is a ubiquitous species considered to be one of the plants most resistant to metals. This fern meets the demands for a good bioindicator to improve environmental control. Therefore, it was of interest to survey the accumulation of Cr and Ni in the rhizome and fronds of this species collected in Lower Silesia (SW Poland) of serpentinite rich in Cr and Ni and granite poor in these metals.