Biomonitoring of air pollution with heavy metals in the Republic of Macedonia by neutron activation analysis

Atmospheric deposition of trace metals was studied over the entire territory of the Republic of Macedonia in 2002 and 2005. Samples of the terrestrial mosses Hypnum cupressiforme, Camptothecium lutescens, and Homalothecium sericeum were collected at 73 sites in 2002 and at 72 sites in 2005. Instrumental neutron activation analysis allowed determination of 41 elements in 2002 and 38 elements in 2005. Principal component factor analysis was used to identify the most polluted areas and characterize different pollution sources. The most important sources of trace metal deposition are ferrous and non-ferrous smelters, oil refineries, fertilizer production plants, and central heating station. four areas appear to be particularly exposed to metal pollution: Veles, Skopje, Tetovo, and Kavadarci - Negotino. Comparison of the results from the first and the second moss survey, showed that there is no significant difference in median values of elemental concentrations determined, besides Ni. The more then twofold increase of its median value is explained by renewed activity of ferronickel smelter in Kavadartsi. (Author)