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ISSN 2063-5346
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ATMOSPHERIC METAL PRECIPITATION IN MUSSOORIE HILLS OF GARHWAL REGION, INDIA BY ACTIVE BIOMONITORING USING PLAGIOMNIUM UNDULATUM

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Chaturvedi P.1 , Singh S.2* , And Rathore K. S 3
» doi: 10.48047/ecb/2023.12.si5a.0197

Abstract

This systematic research presents an in-depth analysis of metal load in the Mussoorie Hills of Uttarakhand, India, conducted during the monsoon, summer, and winter seasons of 2021. The widely used biomonitoring agent, Plagiomnium undulatum, was employed to assess the metal concentrations in the region. A total of 36 samples were transplanted using the active biomonitoring technique known as the moss bag technique. These samples were placed at distances of 0.5, 1.0, and 3.0km in all four directions, with triplicates for an exposure period of four months. The concentrations of Ni, Zn, Cu, and Pb were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS). The results revealed significant variations in the mean concentrations of Ni, Zn, Cu, and Pb, with the highest values observed in summer at a distance of 0.5km and the lowest values in monsoon at 3.0km from the Mussoorie region. Moreover, distinct seasonal variations were observed, with metal concentrations following the order of summer > monsoon > winter. Notably, the summer season exhibited significantly higher metal concentrations compared to both winter and monsoon seasons. Based on the findings, it is recommended to implement regular monitoring programs to reduce metal concentration levels by minimizing pollutant emissions and curbing the exploitation of hill stations. Additionally, it is an invaluable resource for policymakers for future strategy and mitigation plans.

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