Monitoring of lead, cadmium and mercury in environmental samples at the regional station of the integrated background monitoring network of GEMS in Czechoslovakia

Abstract In 1983 a research programme was initiated with the aim of establishing a set of indicators for the evaluation of the concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Cd and Hg) in the area of the regional station of the Global Environment Monitoring System (GEMS) in Czechoslovakia. The programme provided for the collection of air, soil and surface water samples in the area. Suspended particulate matter, wet precipitation, three moss species ( Hylocomium splendens, Pleurozium schreberi and Rhytideadelphus squarosus ) and an epiphytic lichen ( Hypogymnia physodes ) were sampled for determination of the metal levels in the air. The humus horizon, vole hair ( Microtus arvalis ) and hare hair ( Lepus europaeus ) were collected to survey the soil, and brook water and sediments were sampled to evaluate surface water concentrations. The mean levels of lead and cadmium in most samples were comparable to reported natural levels for Europe; the mercury content of all samples was higher that these reported levels. Atmospheric transport is considered to be the main source of these pollutants. In the study area a good correlation was found between the mercury content of all samples, probably due to a neighbouring seed-dressing facility which uses mercury. An optimized set of indicators is suggested.