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Investigations of the Atmospheric Deposition of Major and Trace Elements in Western Tajikistan by Using the Hylocomium splendens Moss as Bioindicators

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Abstract

The study was performed in a mountainous area of approximately 7000 sq. km of Western Tajikistan, i.e., Turkestan, Zeravshan, Hissar, and Karateghin ridges that are characterized by complex geological settings. Moss biomonitoring was used to assess the concentration level of trace and major elements in atmospheric deposition of the study area. Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.) Schimp. moss was used as biomonitor in this study. 43 major and trace-elements were determined by Epithermal Neutron Activation (ENAA) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). GIS maps of the 43 elements showed that the distribution of Mo, Cd, REE, Th, and U could be most probably associated with the Odjuk pegmatite field. Zr, Hf, and W contents are significantly increased in the vicinity of the Sarbo River washout while Cr, Co, Ni, and As showed a maximum content near Kanchoch gold field. The global pollution index based on the local content of presumed pollutants Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sb, and Pb in some places exceeded the threshold limits for a pristine, unpolluted environment. At the same time, the distribution of incompatible Sc, La, Yb, and Th suggested for the airborne material deposited on mosses a continental component, enriched in few places in felsic components.

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A complete set of experimental data can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.17632/myvr4dpvk7.3.

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Acknowledgments

The research was performed within framework the Cooperation Agreement between Institute of Water Problems, Hydropower and Ecology of Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan and the Sector of Neutron Activation Analysis and Applied Research of Frank Laboratory for Neutron Physics of Joint Institute of Nuclear Research (JINR) Dubna, Russian Federation. OGD wishes to acknowledge his contribution was done within the Cooperation Protocol no. 4322-4-1017/2019 between the University of Bucharest and the JINR.

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Correspondence to Octavian G. Duliu.

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Abdusamadzoda, D., Abdushukurov, D.A., Duliu, O.G. et al. Investigations of the Atmospheric Deposition of Major and Trace Elements in Western Tajikistan by Using the Hylocomium splendens Moss as Bioindicators. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 78, 60–67 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-019-00687-w

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