An Attempt to Evaluate Some Factors Affecting the Heavy Metal Accumulation in a Forest Stand

Abstract

Abstract Two sites which differ in their pollutant level were examined. The gravitational deposition was compared to the concentration of Pb, Cu, Cd and Zn in mosses collected inside and outside the forest and also to the heavy metal accumulation in the various litter horizons at the two sites. The accumulation of heavy metals in the organic layer and in mosses within the forest stand are shown to be dependent on the pollutional level, the type of vegetation as well as on the metal under consideration. Higher accumulation has been found in spruce than in beech stands due to differences in interception. Furthermore, Pb and Cu are more readily accumulated in the forest ecosystem than Cd and Zn.