Accumulation of Atmospheric Metals and Nitrogen Deposition in Mosses: Temporal Development between 1990 and 2020, Comparison with Emission Data and Tree Canopy Drip Effects

Mosses are suitable for recording the bioaccumulation of atmospheric deposition over large areas at many sites. In Europe, such monitoring has been carried out every five years since 1990. have collected and chemically analysed metals (since 1990), nitrogen 2005), persistent organic pollutants 2010) microplastics (2020). The aims this study were following: (1) to analyse temporal trends metal accumulation in mosses between 1990 or 2005, respectively, 2020 Germany; (2) compare with emission data; (3) determine effect tree canopy drip on mosses. For trend analysis, minimum sample number required a reliable estimation arithmetic mean values statistical parameters based it was calculated. It only achieved nitrogen, but not metals. Therefore, calculated basis median values. analysis effects element mosses, 14 vegetation structure measures used, which together 80 other descriptors characterise each moss collection site its environment. comparison data obtained during first campaign those survey showed significant decrease bioaccumulation. However, contrast data, an increase some observed 2000 2005 all from 2015 2020. Trends Germany-wide medians last three campaigns (2005, 2020) show that decreased by ?2% increased +8% These differences do match trends. Inferential statistics confirmed significantly higher under canopies compared adjacent open areas. Measured concentrations than outside them, 18–150%.