Geostatistical analysis of the atmogeochemical field in the prior layer of the atmosphere of Northern Ukraine (bryogeochemical indication data)

The bryogeochemical indication of atmospheric pollution in the central part of northern Ukraine is based on the use of moss P.schreberi species. The sampling system provided an empirical reference the moss sample data to a particular physical and geographical zone, taking into account the distance from the source of atmospheric pollution. This approach allowed developing a gradation of natural and man-caused conditions for the accumulation of chemical elements in moss samples. The data on the content of chemical elements in the moss-indicator were analysed and checked for comprehensive geostatistics (factor analysis methods, mapping of spatial correlations of significant factors, centered triangular charts and composite biplot). Results made possible to form a mutual hyperspace of geochemical factors and signs for its subsequent interpretation.The leading factor of the bryogeochemical indication is air pollution by a large dust of natural terrigenous and man-caused origin. Second factor connected with a finely dispersed man-caused-condensation aerosols impact; the third factor is identified by the behavior of titanium and vanadium as the effect of heat and power (TPP, boiler room) on atmospheric emissions; the fourth factor is аn impact of biogenesis, which is determined by active role of trace elements – sulfur and phosphorus; the fifth factor is connected with biogenic migration of trace elements – boron, copper and cobalt. The sixth factor is weak, and probably due to the behavior of manganese and chromium, associated with Eh-pH parameters of atmospheric precipitation and hydrometeors. The regional geostatistical analysis of the bryogeochemical data shows that the factor of the terrigenous dust uplift within the studied territory exhibits a spatial variability due to differences in the granulometric composition of the Quaternary deposits, the degree of soil retention and plowing, and differences in surface wind speeds. Spatial heterogeneity is obvious due to aman-caused factor showing a distribution of the dispersion of the Fe-S-Pb and V-Cd-Pb clusters on bipolar charts. Instead, such a geochemical factor as "biogenesis" shows a low spatial variability. The bryogeochemical indication is a good method for the assessment and monitoring of atmospheric pollution of large and varied natural and man-causedarea as well as the proposed geostatistical mapping of the atmogeochemic field showing that it is efficient todivide the territories by type of pollution.