Assessment of atmospheric metal deposition by moss Thuidium cymbifolium (Dozy & Molk.) Dozy & Molk. At Champawat Hills, India

The study aimed to investigate the suitability of moss Thuidium cymbifolium, as a bio-monitor for assessing atmospheric metal deposition in various locations across the Champawat district of Uttarakhand, India. Moss bags containing T. cymbifolium were transplanted at nearly equal heights covering different sites, varying in direction and seasonal placement, to analyze the accumulation of heavy metals in the moss. The recorded values of metal deposition and contamination factors (CF) from all study sites were systematically analysed. Remarkably, the results consistently fell within the second category (1 < CF ≤ 2) of the contamination factor, indicating minimal metal deposition. This suggests that the levels of heavy metal contamination across all monitoring locations were relatively low. Crucially, no instances of severe contamination were observed for any element at any of the monitoring sites. Overall, analysis of transplant moss suggests that none of the studied locations are currently experiencing alarming levels of metal dispersion in the Champawat.