Concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in moss (Hypnum cupressiforme) from Hungary.

Mosses of the species Hypnum cupressiforme were collected from different parts of Hungary to investigate the air quality of the region. The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in species were determined. Low molecular weight PAHs (up to three ring compounds) contribute more than 99% to the concentrations of PAHs in Moss samples. The pattern of PAHs suggests local sources rather than long-range transport of contamination in the air. Possible local sources are industrial, urban, and traffic activities. The results indicate incomplete combustion of fuel is largely responsible for the air quality of the area.