Peat moss (Sphagnum fuscum) from bogs was used to monitor atmospheric deposition.

Moss was collected near bitumen mines and upgraders in northern Alberta (AB).

Moss from this industrial region contained lower concentrations of Ag, As, Bi, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb, Tl, and Zn compared to moss from central AB.

Peat moss from northern AB is similar in composition to forest moss from remote central and northern Norway.

Lithophile elements (Ba, Be, Ga, Ge, Li, Sc, Th, Ti, Zr) identify dust as the most important source of trace elements to the moss.