Metal contents in epiphytic bryophytes in Kitakyushu area

Metal contents in epiphytic bryophytes growing at Yahata Nishi-ku, Kitakyushu City and its vicinity were measured. Measurements were made both on the contents in the plant body of a single species Clastobryella kusatsuensis and on those of the whole bryophytic community. Contents of eight elements (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cr, Pb, Ni, Cu and Cd) decrease generally with increase in distance from the center of the industrialized area. No such marked regional difference was seen in the contents of Ca and Mg. The ratios of seven kinds of elements (Fe, Mn, Cr, Pb, Ni, Cu and Cd) in bryophytes almost coincide with those in airborne particulates. It was proved that C. kusatsuensis and communities of bryophytes can be an indicator of air pollution by metals.