Researchers at the University of Aberdeen have identified a simple, effective way to monitor urban air quality using a humble ally: moss. The findings, published in Frontiers in Geochemistry, reveal that common moss can reflect the level of airborne pollutants in city environments when sampled from parks and public spaces in Aberdeen.
In this study, moss specimens were analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs, a group of chemicals frequently found in the atmosphere that can pose health risks. Certain PAHs are known to be carcinogenic, mutagenic, and capable of affecting fetal development. This work demonstrates that moss can serve as a practical indicator of PAH presence in urban air, offering a noninvasive method for tracking pollution over time.
Because mosses absorb water and nutrients directly from the air rather than through their roots, they act as natural sponges for atmospheric pollutants. This characteristic makes moss an accessible proxy for air quality studies, allowing communities to contribute to environmental monitoring without expensive equipment or specialized training.
The researchers found that if a local resident wishes, moss samples can be collected and analyzed to gauge PAH levels. This opens the door for citizen science initiatives, enabling people in cities around the world to participate in tracking air quality and understanding how pollution varies across neighborhoods and seasons.
Lead author Dr. Thomas Denmark noted several intriguing patterns. The study observed differences between regions, with roadside moss showing elevated PAH levels. Interestingly, residential areas where tourism resumed after disruptions during the pandemic also exhibited higher PAH signals than expected, highlighting how shifting human activity can influence urban air pollution profiles.
Previous scientific work has linked higher air pollution exposure with increased risks of dementia and cognitive decline following stroke. This broader context underscores the importance of accessible monitoring tools that empower communities to understand and respond to air quality issues in real time.