Technical procedure for using moss bags and snowas effective magnetic monitors for preliminary air quality assessment

Technologically advanced measuring stations are commonly used to monitor air quality, but their use is not always possible due to technical limitations. The primary aim of this study is to present a step-by-step technical research procedure as an effective method of collecting air contaminants and pollutants in locations unsuitable for standard monitoring stations. The moss bag technique was used, in which mosses were placed in a cylindrical fiberglass mesh and deployed in the field on a specially designed installation. Diamagnetic (plastic) containers were used to collect snow. This innovative approach involves both the scope of the research (natural monitors such as moss and snow, as well as seasonality) and the integration of magnetic and geochemical methods, pollution quantification parameters and meteorological data. Magnetic monitoring allows for a preliminary assessment of air quality in places that are difficult to access and/or located far from the main emission sources. A key advantage of using natural monitors (moss and snow) is the possibility of relatively long exposure times. In the case of studies focused on technogenic magnetic particles and potentially toxic elements, this approach allows for the collection of a larger amount of samples and reduces the need for frequent monitoring, which is necessary when using specialist equipment