Trace elements (TEs) transported by atmospheric fluxes can negatively impact isolated ecosystems.
Modelling based on moss-borne TE accumulation makes tracking TE deposition in remote areas without
monitoring stations possible. Using a single moss species from ombrotrophic hummock peatlands reinforces
estimate quality. This study used a validated geomatic model of particulate matter dispersion to
identify the origin of Cd, Zn, Pb and Cu accumulated in Sphagnum capillifolium and the distance transported
from their emission sources. The residential and industrial sectors of particulate matter emissions
showed the highest correlations with the TEs accumulated in S. capillifolium (0.28(Zn)-0.56(Cu)) and
(0.27(Zn)-0.47(Cu), respectively). Distances of dispersion varied depending on the sector of emissions
and the considered TE. The greatest transportation distances for mean emissions values were found in
the industrial (10.6 km when correlating with all TEs) and roads sectors (13 km when correlating with
Pb). The residential sector showed the shortest distances (3.6 km when correlating with Cu, Cd, and Zn).
The model presented here is a new tool for evaluating the efficacy of air pollution abatement policies in
non-monitored areas and provides high-resolution (200 x 200 m) maps of TE accumulation that make it
possible to survey the potential impacts of TEs on isolated ecosystems.