Moss bag biomonitoring: a methodological review

Abstract

Although the moss bag technique has been used for active biomonitoring for the past 40years, there is still no standardized protocol that enables application of the technique as a tool to monitor air quality. The aim of this review paper is to evaluate the degree of standardization of each of the variables that must be considered in applying the technique (i.e. the variables associated with preparation of the moss and moss bags, exposure of the bags, and post-exposure treatment). For this purpose, 112 scientific papers that report the methods used in applying the moss bag technique were consulted. Finally, on the basis of the conclusions reached, we propose a protocol that will enable each of these variables to be investigated separately, with the final aim of developing a standardized methodology.