Trace elements and radioactive nuclides studied in the region of Northern Greece using Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. as biomonitor

Ninety-five samples of Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. were collected in the region of Northern Greece during the end of summer 2016. Samples were collected from different altitudes (30 to 1450 m above the sea level). all samples were analyzed to the content of heavy metals using Epithermal Neutron Activation Analysis (ENNA), while the concentrations of radionuclides were determined using gamma spectrometry. The activity concentrations of ¹³⁷Cs, ⁴⁰K, ⁷Be and ²¹⁰Pb were determined. Differences have been observed in the activity concentrations between mosses collected from ground surface, rocks, branches and roots. ⁷Be and ²¹⁰Pb activity concentrations are higher in moss samples from the ground surface and rocks. ¹³⁷Cs concentrations are higher in mosses collected near roots and rocks. Mosses were analysed to the content of heavy metals using ENAA. High concentrations of Al and V were noticed in areas where metal industries, coal fired power plants and lignite mining exist. Areas with manufacturing, electricity and heat production activities, showed an additional increase in concentrations of As, Cr and Ni elements