京津渤区域地球化学环境中的微量元素特征研究

对北京—天津—渤海湾区域三个地球化学环境单元十二种地球化学环境类型20种地表物质类型的45个浮土组合样品中八种微量金属元素研究表明:其总体含量水平为:Pb 19.3±4.0ppm.Zn 63、9±6.5.ppm,Cu23.8±3.4ppm.Co9.49±0.88ppm.Ni19.1±2.1ppm.Cr70.4±5.9ppm,Cd0.075±0.009ppm.Be3.24±0.42ppm。各微量元素含量分布与浮土酸碱度无关;但Zn—Pb.Cu—Co.Cr—Ni.Be—Cd等元素对在含量分布上具显著相关关系。各微量元素含量变化分散程度为:Pb>Cu>>Cd>Ni>Zn>Co>Cr;房山花岗闪长岩的风化淋溶序列为:Pb>Zn>Cr>Be>Cu>Co>Cd>Ni;由弱到强的迁移能力序列为:Ph|Co、Ni、Be|Cu、Cr|Zn、Cd. 根据研究结果建议(1)制定区域性环境质量标准时,应重视微量元素对的含量关系;(2)铅应该作为区域(特别是京津城市近郊)微量金属元素污染防治的重点;(3)平原上方和平原下部地段应分别重视钴,镍,铍和铜.铬的污染防治;(4)滨海海湾地段宜对诸重金属聚积和沉积后再迁移作用进行长期监测和研究。     

重庆市清水溪河流沉积物重金属污染及潜在生态风险评价

采用单因子指数法和Hakanson潜在生态风险指数法,通过分析清水溪流域18个采样点沉积物中典型重金属污染物Cd、Cr、Cu、Pb和Zn的含量,定量确定了清水溪沉积物中重金属的污染程度和潜在生态风险程度。结果表明,清水溪流域污染非常严重,上中游河段受到重金属的高强度污染,主要的重金属污染因子为Zn,污染因子的高低顺序为：Zn>Cu>Cr>Cd>Pb;潜在生态风险指数RI平均值为255.58,清水溪处于高值潜在生态风险,且上中游河段潜在生态风险指数很高,主要的潜在生态风险因子为Cd,潜在生态风险因子的大小顺序为：Cd>Cu>Cr>Zn>Pb。     

金矿污染河流的水体和沉积物中重金属分布特征及生态风险评价

金矿开采导致严重的水体和沉积物重金属污染。采用电感耦合等离子体质谱仪(ICP/MS)分析了金矿开采区河道32个采样点的水体和表层沉积物样品,研究了水样的溶解态及颗粒态重金属(As、Pb、Cd、Cr、Cu、Zn)组成;通过分步化学提取法研究了各重金属在沉积物中的地球化学形态组成,利用地累积指数法和潜在生态风险指数法评价了河流沉积物中重金属污染状况。结果表明:水体中Cu、Zn、As主要以溶解态存在,Pb、Cr、Cd以颗粒态为主。水体中重金属元素形态分布主要受点源污染排放影响。沉积物中,Cd浓度较低;As、Zn主要以氧化物结合态、有机物结合态和残渣态存在;Pb、Cr、Cu以有机物结合态和残渣态为主。结合地累积指数和潜在生态风险指数分析表明,Cd和Cu为主要的风险元素。     

大辽河主要污染源重金属特征及污染评价

为了解大辽河水环境中重金属污染来源及其污染程度,对大辽河上游来水以及主要排污口的表层水体和表层沉积物主要重金属(Cr、Co、Cd、Mn、Zn、Ni、Cu、Pb、As)浓度进行了研究,并分别采用综合污染指数评价法和地累积指数评价法对表层水体和表层沉积物污染程度进行了评价。结果表明,大辽河上游来水中Cr、Cd、Zn、Cu、As、Pb元素浓度均低于《地表水环境质量标准》(GB 3838—2002)Ⅰ类标准规定的限值;太子河中Cr、Co、Ni、Cu、Zn、Cd、Pb元素浓度较高,海城河Mn、As元素浓度较高;主要排污口水体中Cr、Cu、As、Cd、Pb元素浓度均低于GB 3838—2002的Ⅰ类标准规定的限值,其中纱厂潮沟、港监潮沟排污口水体重金属浓度较高。大辽河沉积物重金属浓度表现出自上游向下游递减的特征,西潮沟、港监潮沟排污口沉积物重金属浓度高于其他排污口。综合污染指数评价法表明,大辽河水质情况较好,太子河存在较高的潜在污染风险;而地累积指数评价法表明,大辽河主要汇入河流和主要污染源沉积物重金属污染程度大多为清洁,只有西潮沟排污口沉积物中As处于轻度污染,需要引起注意。     

淮河沉积物中重金属污染及潜在生态危害评价

测定了淮河 (江苏段 )表层沉积物中重金属的含量 ,分析了重金属的含量分布及富集状况 ,采用 Lars Hakanson潜在生态危害指数法对重金属的生态危害进行了评价。结果表明 ,各种重金属的含量分布呈现出相似的特点 ,即安徽省进入江苏省境内断面 (肖嘴 )时含量较低 ;在江苏省盱眙县城内断面 (淮河大桥 )含量明显增高 ;汇入洪泽湖前断面 (红光化工厂 )稍高于肖嘴断面。从富集系数来看 ,Pb的富集程度最高 ,其次是 As、Cr、Cd、Zn、Cu;而 Hg的富集程度最低。重金属的潜在生态危害评价显示 ,除淮河大桥断面 Cd的污染属于中等生态危害外 ,其他各点重金属的生态危害都很轻微 ,污染程度顺序为 Cd>As>Hg>Pb>Cu>Zn。     

常德市柳叶湖表层沉积物重金属元素分布特征及潜在生态风险评价

柳叶湖表层沉积物中重金属的状况对洞庭湖流域生态环境具有重要影响。对该区域内31个采样点表层沉积物中重金属的含量及形态进行监测和分析,同时采用潜在生态风险指数法和健康风险评价模型进行风险评价。结果表明：(1)重金属平均值均高于洞庭湖水系水体沉积物重金属元素背景值。参考《土壤环境质量标准农用地土壤污染风险管控标准(试行)》(GB 15618—2018),Cd可能存在污染风险。(2)Cd、Cr、Pb、Cu、Zn、Ni来源相似,Mn有单独的来源,As有多个来源。(2)表层沉积物中As、Cr、Cu、Zn、Ni主要以残渣态为主,Cd和Mn主要是以弱酸可提取态和可还原态为主,Pb主要以可还原态为主。(3)Cd的单项潜在生态风险指数为57.0,属于中等风险,其他7种重金属均属于轻微风险。8种重金属的综合潜在生态风险指数为100.8,属于轻微风险。(4)成人、儿童的致癌、非致癌总风险处于可接受范围,且儿童的致癌、非致癌总风险指数均高于成人。As的致癌风险指数大于Cd; Zn的非致癌风险指数最低,而Cr最高。     

滦河干流表层沉积物中营养元素和重金属含量分布特征及其风险评价

选取滦河干流为研究对象,采集表层沉积物并分析其粒径分布、营养元素(N、P、C、S)及重金属(Cd、Ni、Cu、Zn、Cr和Pb)含量分布特征,对重金属采用富集系数法进行源解析,并利用地积累指数法、污染指数法和潜在生态危害指数法进行系统性的生态风险评价。结果表明:沉积物营养元素TN、TP、TC、TS均值为1 047.6、1 427.4、20 060.9和1 564.2 mg·kg~(-1),且分布存在空间差异性;粒径分布特征为粉砂或砂占比重大,黏土占比重小;重金属Cd、Cu、Ni、Zn、Cr和Pb含量均值分别为0.28、40.48、31.48、88.67、16.45和21.5 mg·kg-1,Cd、Cu、Ni、Zn超过河北省土壤背景值;Cd富集系数均值为2.31,其污染主要源是人为输入,其余重金属未见明显富集现象;相关性分析和主成分分析表明Cd与Cr、Cu、Ni、Zn呈显著正相关,Cr与Cu、Ni、Zn呈显著正相关,Pb与Fe、TP呈显著正相关,Cu与Ni、Zn呈显著正相关,Ni与Zn呈显著正相关;基于地累积指数法得Cd为重金属首要污染物;单项生态危害指数均值大小顺序为Cd(94.39)Cu(9.28)Ni(5.11)Pb(2.16)Zn(1.13)Cr(0.48);沉积物风险指数(SPI)相应等级为低风险级别(SPI=2.755),且整体潜在生态风险指数(RI)相应的亦为低生态风险(RI=112.561150)。     

长荡湖沉积物重金属污染特征及生态风险评价

为明确长荡湖重金属污染特征及生态风险,于2018年9月至2019年8月采集长荡湖入湖河流、湖泊水体及表层沉积物样品,分析8种重金属(Cr、Ni、Cu、Zn、As、Cd、Pb和Hg)含量,采用正定矩阵因子(PMF)模型和主成分分析多元线性回归(PCA-MLR)模型对湖泊重金属污染来源进行解析,评估长荡湖沉积物重金属污染程度及风险等级。结果表明,8种重金属有7种超出江苏省土壤环境本底值,秋季长荡湖沉积物中重金属含量普遍较低。Cr、Cd、Zn和Ni的分配系数较高,现阶段不易从沉积物中释放到水体中,但由于Cd多为可交换态且在沉积物中含量较大,因此仍具有从沉积物中释放到水体中的潜力;Cu、As和Hg的分配系数较低,具有从沉积物中释放到水体中的潜力。Hg、Cd、As和Cu污染来源中农业生产占比最高,Pb和Zn交通污染占比最高,Ni自然来源占比最高,Cr工业活动占比最高。长荡湖春季和夏季受重金属污染程度更高,Cd和Hg的生态风险较高,需重点关注。     

预处理飞灰重金属的固定化效果及环境影响评估

针对垃圾焚烧飞灰广泛存在重金属超标的问题,采用哌嗪螯合剂、二甲基二硫代氨基甲酸盐及水泥对飞灰进行预处理,以降低填埋风险。通过《固体废物浸出毒性方法醋酸缓冲溶液法》(HJ/T300-2007)探讨预处理对飞灰中重金属的固定效果,并采用X射线衍射、扫描电镜和BCR形态提取分析各飞灰的物相组成、微观形貌和重金属形态分布,使用RAC和STI模型对各飞灰进行环境风险评估。结果表明,原灰中重金属Ni、Pb、Cd的浸出毒性超标,重金属含量呈Zn>Pb>Cu>Cd>Cr>Ni顺序分布。预处理作用后,飞灰中重金属Ni、Cd、Pb的浸出毒性满足标准限值,固定率达99%以上,未超标重金属Cr、Zn、Cu的固定率高于96%。同等添加量下,SDD的稳定效果优于TS300,但TS300协同水泥固定重金属的作用优于SDD。稳定化对Cr的处理效果优于固化/稳定化,单一水泥固化对Zn、Pb、Ni的固定作用最佳,但40%的水泥用量及高增容比限制了水泥固化的应用。ANC测试表明,水泥固化的ANC最强。XRD和SEM分结果表明,稳定化形成的新矿物对重金属的固定起重要作用,水泥水化生成的Ca(OH...     

黄石市冬/春季大气PM_(10)中重金属形态特征研究

采用三级序列提取程序分离黄石市黄石港区、西塞山区、大冶市、阳新县PM10中的不同形态重金属,并使用电感耦合等离子体质谱对分离后液体中8种重金属(Cu、Cd、Zn、Cr、As、Pb、Ni、Co)的含量进行测定。同时,将传统金属生物有效性系数(k)进行加权,从而以重金属生物有效性综合系数(K)直观表征4个区域空气PM10中重金属对人体健康的危害程度。结果表明:(1)As为黄石市主要重金属污染物,冬季西赛山区As的质量分数为85.5%。(2)黄石港区PM10中冬季Cu、Zn、Cd、Pb和春季Cu、Cr、Pb,西塞山区PM10中冬季Cu、Zn、Cd、Pb、Ni、Co和春季Zn、Cd、Cr、Pb、Ni、Co,大冶市PM10中冬季Cu、Zn、Pb、Ni和春季Cd、As、Pb,阳新县PM10中冬季Zn、Cd、As、Pb和春季Zn、Cd、Pb,其k均大于0.2,对当地居民的健康存在潜在风险或风险。综合评价,阳新县冬季和大冶市春季的大气重金属污染较严重,其K分别为0.544和0.340,对人体健康风险较大。     

Solid speciation and mobility of potentially toxic elements from natural and contaminated soils: a combined approach

The study area (Szklary Massif, SW Poland) comprises three sites of different soil provenance: (1) natural serpentine Cambisol, (2) anthroposol situated on waste dump and (3) cultivated Inceptisol developed on glacial tills next to the dump. Potentially toxic elements (PTE) have either lithogenic or anthropogenic origins in these sites. The chemical partitioning of Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn among solid forms was determined by sequential extractions coupled with direct mineral identifications (SEM, electron microprobe analysis - EMPA, and XRD). Examination of solid residues after several extraction steps was conducted in order to discuss the indirect speciation obtained by the extraction method. Total concentrations of PTE having anthropogenic origin greatly exceed those of lithogenic origin. Mobility of studied PTE is variable in the different environments except for Cr which is always mostly found in residual fractions of extractions. Cu and Pb are more mobile than Cr and Co in all soils. Zn is more stable (Cu>Pb>Ni>Co>Zn>Cr) in the serpentine soil and cultivated epipedon (Pb>Cu>Zn>Ni>Co>Cr) than in the anthroposol (Zn>CuPb>Ni>Co>Cr). PTE of lithogenic origin are generally less mobile than those from anthropogenic origin except Ni which is more mobile in the serpentine soil. Nonetheless, mineral forms of metals better determine their mobility than metal origin. Identification by direct methods of the PTE mineral form was not possible for metals present at low concentrations (Cu, Pb). However, direct mineralogical examinations of the solid residues of several extractions steps improved the assessment of the PTE solid speciation and mobility, particularly for Cr, Ni and Zn.     

Heavy metal accumulation in wheat plant grown in soil amended with industrial sludge

The concentrations of different forms of Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, Cd, Cr, Pb and Fe metals were determined for the roadside sludge collected from pickling-rolling and electroplating industrial area. In sludge the relative abundance of total heavy metals were Fe>Mn>Cr>Ni>Cu>Pb>Zn>Cd and DTPA-extractable metals were in the order--Fe>Ni>Mn>Cr>Cu>Zn>Pb>Cd. Pot-culture experiment was conducted in soils amended with sludge (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%), pretreated with lime (0%, 0.5% and 1%). The soils were alkaline in nature (pH>8.3) with organic carbon contents were 0.34% and 0.72%. The most abundant total and bio-available metal was Fe. Two wheat seedlings were grown in each pot containing 3kg sludge-amended or control soil and the experiment was conducted till harvesting. Application of sludge increased both total and bio-available forms of metals in the soils, while lime application decreased the bioavailability of heavy metals in sludge-amended soils. The content of organic carbon showed positive correlation with all metals except Zn, Cr and Pb. CEC also showed a strong positive correlation (R2>0.7) with Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni and Cd. Though wheat plants are not accumulators, the translocation efficiency was appreciably high. The translocation factor from shoot to grain was found smaller than that of root to shoot of wheat plants. This makes an implication that the heavy metal accumulation was proportionally lesser in grain than in shoot. In, 10% sludge with 0.5% lime-amended soils; each of these toxic heavy metals was found to be within permissible range (USEPA). Hence, on the basis of present study, the best possible treatment may be recommended.     

煤矿复垦区土壤重金属分布特征与质量评价

为保证煤矿复垦区种植农作物的充填复垦土壤的生态安全,以淮南矿区煤矸石充填复垦地为研究对象,通过对研究区内Cd、Cr、Ni、Pb、Cu、Zn和Hg 7种重金属不同深度含量分析,总结其纵向分布特征,并将研究区土壤重金属含量与淮南市土壤背景值、《土壤环境质量标准》(GB 15618-1995)作比较,分析这7种重金属的污染程度.结果表明,这7种重金属都有不同程度的污染,其中土壤受Cd污染最严重,土壤中重金属垂直方向上无确定分布规律.总体而言,土壤重金属潜在生态风险属于强生态危害.从垂直方向来看,重金属潜在生态风险指数(RD随着深度的增加出现先下降后升高的趋势,其中40～60 cm深度的RI最大.重金属生态危害程度依次为Cd＞ Hg＞ Ni＞ Cu＞ Cr＞ Pb＞ Zn,其中Cd为矿区土壤中最主要的重金属污染生态风险因子.     

Landscape ecology of the Guanting Reservoir, Beijing, China: multivariate and geostatistical analyses of metals in soils

Surface soil samples were collected from 52 sites around Guanting Reservoir in Beijing, China, and contents of 'total' metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, As, Ni and Cr) were determined. The results indicate that the degree of heavy metal pollution in the soils declines in the order of Cd>Cr>Zn>As>Cu>Ni>Pb. Based on the results of a combination of multivariate statistics and geostatiscal analyses, it was concluded that land application of phosphate fertilizer, wastewater and sludge were the primary sources of Cd and Zn in soils. Whereas As, Cu, Cr and Ni in some soils were due to natural rock weathering. The sources of Pb in soils only partially originated from land application of phosphate fertilizer, but mainly from vehicle exhaust. The greatest concentrations of all metals, except for Pb, were found in Huailai County and the towns of Yanghedaqiao and Guanting.     

应用地质累积指数评价抚顺市PM10中元素的污染

2006-2007年采暖季、风沙季和非采暖季分别在抚顺市的6个采样点采集PM10样品,用等离子体原子发射光谱(ICP-AES)法测定样品中Ti、Al、Mn、Mg、Ca、Na、K、Cu、Zn、As、Pb、Cr、Ni、Co、Cd、Fe、V等17种元素的含量,并用地质累积指数对其污染状况进行初步评价。结果表明:(1)从PM10中元素在不同采样点的含量看,抚顺市PM10中Ti、Mn、Mg、Cu、Zn、Pb、Cr、Ni、Co这9种元素在各采样点间的差别较大;Al、Ca、Na、K、As、Cd、Fe、V这8种元素差别较小。(2)从PM10中元素在不同采样季的含量看,抚顺市PM10中Mn、Mg含量的季间差别较大,其余15种元素季间差别较小。(3)Zn、Cd污染较重;Ti、Al、Mg、Ca、Na、K、As、Fe和V污染较轻;其他6种元素在6个采样点和3个采样季污染程度差别较大。(4)水库采样点各元素污染级别均不是最高;新华采样点PM10中Cu、Zn、Pb、Cr、Ni、Co、Cd污染级别均较高。(5)3个采样季PM10中Cd、Zn污染均较重,属于重度或严重污染;在采暖季PM10中Cu、Pb、Cr的地质累积指数较风沙季、非采暖季大;在非采暖季PM10中Mn、Co受到的污染比采暖季和风沙季稍严重。     

Concentrations of heavy metal and radioactivity in surface water and sediment of Hazar Lake (Elaziğ, Turkey)

Concentration of heavy metals and natural gross radioactivity were measured in the surface water and sediment of Hazar Lake (Elazi?, Turkey). Eight sampling sites were pre-defined in different locations of the lake. A preliminary study on heavy metals (Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Cr, Co and Pb), major elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg) concentrations and natural radioactivity related to 226Ra, gross-alpha and gross-beta radiations in the surface water and deep sediments were determined. The obtained results showed that, in general, the heavy metals (Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu and Pb) and major elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg) concentrations in water did not exceed WHO (World Health Organization, 1999), EC (Europe Community, 1998), EPA (Environment Protection Agency, 2002) and TSE-266 (Turkish Standard, 1997) guidelines. Generally, heavy metals and major elements concentration of the sediments were found decrease in sequence of Fe>Mg>Ca>Mn>Zn>Ni>Cr>Cu>Co>Pb. The results of this study indicated that a general absence of serious pollution in the Hazar Lake. The results obtained from the radioactivity determination indicate that the surface water radioactivity concentration of 226Ra, gross-alpha and gross-beta were ranging from 0.52+/-0.02 to 2.02+/-0.06 Bq/l and from 0.65+/-0.03 to 2.52+/-0.07 Bq/l and from 0.01+/-0.01 to 0.14+/-0.01 Bq/l, respectively. Deep sediment radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra is ranging from 0.07+/-0.03 to 0.32+/-0.07 Bq/g.     

Relationship between heavy metals concentrations in egret species,their environment and food chain differences from two Headworks of Pakistan

Concentration of ten metals (Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) were analyzed in the egg contents, prey and soil samples of little egret (Egretta garzetta) and cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) from two Headworks to determine habitat and species-specific differences; to assess the importance of prey and habitat contamination as an exposure source for heavy metals. Concentration of Cu, Mn, Cr and Pb in egg contents, Fe, Co, Cu, Mn, Zn in prey and Fe, Co, Cu, Ni, Li in surface soils were significantly different (P < 0.05). Mean metal concentrations of Cr, Pb and Cd were relatively higher in little egret whereas Cu and Mn were higher in the egg contents of cattle egret. The mean concentrations of Cu, Mn and Zn were higher in prey samples of cattle egrets and Cr, Cd and Pb in prey samples of little egrets. In soil samples collected from little egret heronries metal concentrations were higher except Cu and Ni. Correlation Analysis and Hierarchical Agglomerative Cluster Analysis (HACA) identified relatively similar associations of metals and their source identification. Metals such as Fe, Cu, Mn, and Li were related with geochemical origin from parent rock material as well as anthropogenic input whereas Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni, Co and Zn were associated mostly with anthropogenic activities. The study suggested that eggs are useful bio-monitor of local heavy metal contamination.     

Heavy metal levels and solid phase speciation in street dusts of Delhi,India

Street dust samples were collected from three different localities (industrial, heavy traffic and rural) situated in the greater Delhi area of India. The samples analyzed for Cd, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cu, and Cr indicated remarkably high levels of Cr, Ni, and Cu in the industrial area, whilst Pb and Cd did not show any discernible variations between the three localities. A multivariate statistical approach (Principal Component Analysis) was used to define the possible origin of metals in dusts. The street dusts were sequentially extracted so that the solid pools of Cd, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cu, Cr could be partitioned into five operationally defined fractions viz. exchangeable, bound to carbonates, bound to Fe-Mn oxides, bound to organic matter and residual. Metal recoveries in sequential extractions were +/- 10% of the independently measured total metal concentrations. Cd was the only metal present appreciably (27.16%) in the exchangeable fraction and Cu was the only metal predominantly associated (44.26%) with organic fraction. Zn (45.64%) and Pb (28.26%) were present mainly in the Fe-Mn oxide fraction and the residual fraction was the most dominant solid phase pool of Cr (88.12%) and Ni (70.94%). Assuming that the mobility and bioavailability are related to the solubility of geochemical forms of the metals and decrease in order of extraction, the apparent mobility and potential metal bioavailability for these highly contaminated street dust samples is: Cd>Zn approximately equal Pb>Ni>Cu>Cr.     

Spatial distribution and ecotoxicological risk assessment of heavy metals in surface sediments of the southern Bohai Bay, China

The concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and organic carbon in surface sediments, collected from the southern Bohai Bay, were determined to assess the potential contamination and determine the environmental risks associated with heavy metals. Results showed that heavy metal concentrations in the sediments generally met the China Marine Sediment Quality criteria. Both the ecotoxicological index and the potential ecological risk index suggest that the combined ecological risk of the six studied metals may be low, with the highest ecotoxicological potential zones located in the offshore area. The methods of enrichment factor and geoaccumulation index suggested that elevated concentrations of Cd, Cr, and Ni are presented in the region. Multivariate analysis also indicated that the lithogenic factor dominates the distribution of most part of the considered metals in the study area, whereas Cd and Cr are clearly influenced by anthropogenic inputs. The results of this study are likely to be a useful tool to authorities in charge of sustainable marine management.     

Atmospheric trace metal pollution in the Naples urban area based on results from moss and lichen bags

The results of trace element content analysed in Sphagnum capillifolium and Pseudevernia furfuracea exposed in bags in 1999 are reconsidered to evaluate the reliability of moss and lichen transplants to detect urban trace element atmospheric pollution, using Naples as a case example. After 4 months' exposure, trace element concentrations were at least twice as high as the pre-exposure values and in general higher in Sphagnum than in Pseudevernia. Moss samples were enriched in the following order: As=Cu>Mo>Pb>V>Co>Cr>Zn; lichen samples in the order: Mo>Cu>As=Co=Ni>V>Pb. Based on the calculation of a cumulative load factor, all sites located along the coast had higher trace element loads compared to sites in the hilly inland area. Complementary SEM, TEM and EDS observations showed, despite significant damage to tissue and cell integrity, the recurrent presence of particulate matter in moss and lichen, indicating the considerable presence of dust in the urban atmosphere which, according to chemical composition, may be due both to anthropogenic and natural sources such as volcanic rock and soil and sea salts.