Records of metals in bryophytes emitted from ash clouds of thermal power plants: A case study of Orhaneli, Bursa, Türkiye

Most of the world's energy production still comes from fossil fuels such as coal and lignite. Thermal power plants that produce energy using these resources have the potential to cause serious damage to the environment due to the heavy metals and other pollutants they release into the atmosphere. This study investigates the accumulation of heavy metals in fly ash clouds from a thermal power plant in Orhaneli, Bursa in the tissues of Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. and Homalothecium sericeum (Hedw.) Schimp. Within the scope of the study, ICP-OES analyses were performed on moss and rock samples taken from five different sampling sites around the thermal power plant. Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) was calculated based on Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni, Ni, Co, Cu, Hg and As concentrations. The results showed that there was no accumulation of Hg and As, bioaccumulation for Cd, Fe and Cu was observed in only one station, but the average BCF values for these metals were below 1. In contrast, the BCF levels of Cr and Pb were found to be quite high, with mean values of 60.26 and 1.54, respectively. These results suggest that mosses can be used as effective biological indicators for heavy metal accumulation. It is also emphasized that regular monitoring of air quality and mitigation of environmental risks are vital for the health of the inhabitants of the region.