Cross-border response of moss, Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw., to atmospheric deposition in southern Bulgaria and northeastern Greece.

This study aimed at first cross-border mapping of 10 heavy metals and toxic elements accumulation in moss Hypnum cupressiforme reflecting wet and dry atmospheric deposition in Southern Bulgaria and Northeastern Greece. It is a part of the European moss survey 2005/2006 including first Greek results. Data obtained from 66 sites, covering 20,000 km(2), showed different deposition patterns particularly for As, Cd, Cr and Pb. The determined concentrations (ICP-AES), revealed no serious pollution by airborne heavy metals and toxic elements contaminants. Lead was the only element with proved statistical significant difference, between Bulgarian and Greek part of the study area.