THE BIOINDICATION OF HEAVY METALS AND SULPHUR POLLUTION IN THE ECOSYSTEMS OF THE POLISH PART OF INTERNATIONAL BIOSPHERE RESERVE "EASTERN CARPATHIANS"

Due to the need of scientific monitoring of the pollution level in the ecosystems of IBR "Eastern Carpathians", an accumulation of selected heavy metals and sulfur in mosses, lichens, and needles of spruce (Picea abies) has been studied. This pilot study was conducted in Wolosatka creek valley, between Wolosate and Ustrzyki Gorne. That part of the reserve is apparently affected by local as well as by distant sources of air pollution. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Mn, and Fe were measured with AAS (C-115 M1, Grafit 2), while the level of sulphur was estimated with nefelometric method. Data obtained for the moss (Polytrichum formosum) did not exceed levels accepted as safe for Europe (Pb – 18.8 ppm d.m, Cd – 0.5 ppm d.m.), while those for the moss (Hypnum cupressiforme) and lichen (Parmelis physodes) were higher (Pb – 40.7 and 30.5, Cd – 1.9 and 1.4 ppm d.m. respectively) than permissible levels. Sulphur content in two youngest generations of spruce needles (about 1000 ppm d.m.) was higher than naturally expected level of that element. Preliminary results suggest the possibility of contamination of that part of the IBR with sulfur, lead, and cadmium, however the study should be continued.

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