Recent trends in atmospheric deposition of trace elements in Norway as evident from the 1995 moss survey

Abstract

Atmospheric trace element deposition in Norway has been evaluated by using data from a national moss survey from 1995, comprising 53 elements in 458 samples of the ground growing moss Hylocomium splendens. The results are compared with similar surveys carried out in 1977, 1985 and 1990 in order to evaluate temporal deposition trends. Atmospheric long-range transport (LRTP) from other parts of Europe is the main source for deposition of V, Zn, As, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Hg, Tl, Pb and Bi in Norway. Between 1977 and 1990 the levels of most of the LRTP elements monitored (V, Zn, As, Cd, Sb, Pb) were reduced by more than 50%. Between 1990 and 1995, no further decrease has been observed for any of the LRTP elements, except for Pb where a further reduction is evident. The most north-easterly part of Norway is exposed to high levels of Co, Ni and Cu from emission sources from the Kola peninsula, Russia and the levels have not changed significantly since 1977. A new ferro-chrome smelter at Mo i Rana, northern Norway has resulted in a substantially enhanced deposition of Cr in the surrounding area.