Epiphytic Moss Research Articles

Temperature and Precipitation More Than Tree Cover Affect the Distribution Patterns of Epiphytic Mosses within the Orthotrichaceae Family in China and Adjacent Areas.

Epiphytes, including vascular and non-vascular, constitute a large part of global plant biodiversity. Distribution of obligatory epiphytic bryophytes results from climate and local habitat conditions. The most important epiphytic bryophytes and at the same time poorly investigated and taxonomically problematic ones belong to the family Orthotrichaceae. Epiphytic mosses are also ideal organisms for species modelling, because of having no roots, they are highly dependent on external environmental conditions. For this purpose, we used the ecological niche modelling approach to define their potential distribution in China and adjacent areas and explore factors that shape this distribution. We used 617 occurrence records of 23 species from six genera within the Orthotrichaceae family. Our results suggest that the distribution of members of the Orthotrichaceae family is predominantly affected by bioclimatic variables, especially bio10 (mean temperature of the warmest quarter), bio15 (precipitation seasonality), bio18 (precipitation of the warmest quarter), bio19 (precipitation of the coldest quarter), bio9 (mean temperature of the driest quarter), and bio2 (mean diurnal range). However, the distribution of particular genera is ruled by a different set of those variables. The distribution of two genera (Leratia and Ulota) is also highly influenced by land cover (especially mixed/other trees), whereas human footprint shows a moderate contribution to models of three genera (Lewinskya, Orthotrichum, Nyholmiella). Based on the occupied climatic niche and distribution patterns, representatives of the studied family are divided into two groups. The 'western-montane group' is characterised by lower temperatures and lower precipitation whereas the 'eastern-lowland' group' by more humid and warmer conditions.

Level of atmospheric air pollution with heavy metals in the influence zone of coal industry enterprises (Berezovsky)

The work presents the results of a study of atmospheric air pollution with heavy metals in a small mining town in the Kemerovo region. The assessment was carried out using the active biomonitoring method. The epiphytic moss Pylaisiella polyantha served as a bioindicator. The content of chemical elements was determined using the neutron activation method. Elements and areas of the city were identified for which high levels of concentrations values were obtained relative to background.

Codonoblepharonteae, a New Major Lineage among Orthotrichoideae (Orthotrichaceae, Bryophyta)

Orthotrichoideae aggregates epiphytic mosses widespread throughout temperate regions and high tropical mountains of the world. Recently, important advances have been made in elucidating its phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary patterns. Fourteen genera are currently recognized within the subfamily, which are spread over two main tribes: Orthotricheae, comprising Orthotrichinae and Lewinskyinae, and Zygodonteae. Despite the progress, some groups have received little attention, as is the case of genus Codonoblepharon. Recent studies have suggested that this genus may represent a separate lineage from Zygodonteae, in which it traditionally has been considered. Although, none of the studies were conclusive as they did not include a representative sampling of the Codonoblepharon species. This work aims to evaluate the taxonomic position of Codonoblepharon and its phylogenetic relationships within Orthotrichoideae. For this purpose, we present an updated phylogenetic tree based on four different loci, one belonging to the nuclear genome (ITS2) and the rest to the plastid genome (rps4, trnG and trnL-F). The phylogenetic reconstruction recovers all samples of Codonoblepharon in a monophyletic group, sister to the rest of the subfamily, constituting a lineage independent of the two currently recognized tribes. For this reason, we propose the new tribe Codonoblepharonteae to accommodate Codonoblepharon.

Epiphytic Bryodiversity of Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D.Don) G.Don Forest at Lohaghat (Champawat), Uttarakhand

The present bryoexploratory study deals with the documentation of epiphytic bryophytes species and communities flourishing on the Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D.Don) G.Don phorophytes at Lohaghat. The study site is located near the bank of Lohawati River, with an altitudinal range of 1600-1754 m at the North-East aspect of district Champawat. A total of 42 bryotaxa were recognized from the acidic (pH 4.20 - 4.74) bark of C. deodara phorophytes of varied girth classes ranging from saplings to giant ones. In all, 09 leafy liverworts and 33 mosses were recorded, belonging to 27 families. Amongst leafy liverworts, Frullaniaceae turned out to be the dominant family followed by Lejeuneaceae. Two species of Frullania viz., F. benjaminiana Inoue and F. udarii V. Nath & Ajit P. Singh have been identified as new records for Western Himalayas. Pleurocarpous epiphytic mosses were found to dominate over the acrocarpous ones. Pylaisiadelpha capillacea (Griff.) B.C. Tan & Y. Jia, (Pylaisiadelphaceae) is identified as a new record for Western Himalayan moss flora. The members of the family Meteoriaceae and Anomodontaceae were recognized as the dominant pleurocarps. Amongst acrocarpous mosses, the family Bryaceae was noticed as the most diversified epiphytes. Morphologically, the majority of epiphytic bryophytes were found to be mat-forming followed by the tuft. Leafy liverworts namely Lophocolea minor Nees and Radula complanata (L.) Dum., as well as the mosses viz., Brothera leana (Sull.) Mull. Hal. and Pylaisiadelpha capillacea emerged as gemmiferous. The north and south aspects of the forest site were discovered to have the highest species richness. The water trickling site of the tree trunks, junction of the broad branches, humus accumulated areas, as well as giant tree bases, were observed to be the suitable habitat and microhabitats for the colonization of epiphytic bryophytes on Cedar phorophytes. The present study will provide firm bases for comparative and quantitative bryosociological investigations and would be useful to future workers.

Quo Vadis, Orthotrichum pulchellum? A Journey of Epiphytic Moss across the European Continent.

Orthotrichum pulchellum is a species of epiphytic moss in which a significant expansion from the oceanic part of Europe to the east of the continent has been observed in the recent two decades. The improvement in air quality in Central and Eastern Europe, but also climate change, probably plays a role in this. This study shows what direction of its spreading we can expect in the future. Ecological niche modeling (ENM) is a widespread method to find out species niches in environmental and geographical space, which allows us to highlight areas that have a higher probability of occurrences of the studied species, based on identifying similar environmental conditions to those already known. We also made predictions for different future scenarios (CMIP5 climatology datasets for the years 2041–2060). Because we were not able to distinguish between historical and newly settled areas, and so, had to use some of the traditional approaches when modeling invasive species, we proposed to use niche clusters based on environmental layers to split the data of all known occurrences and make models separately for each cluster. This approach seems reasonable from the ecological species point of view because using all the morphologically same samples could be misleading. Altogether, 2712 samples were used from three separate niche clusters. For building the models, the Maxent algorithm was used as a well-tested, well-accepted, and commonly used method.

Spatial predictors of heavy metal concentrations in epiphytic moss samples in Seattle, WA

The use of bio-indicators is an emerging, cost-effective alternative approach to identifying air pollution and assessing the need for additional air monitoring. This community science project explores the use of moss samples as bio-indicators of the distribution of metal air particulates in two residential neighborhoods of the industrial Duwamish Valley located in Seattle, WA (USA). We applied geographically weighted regression to data from 61 youth-collected samples to assess the location-specific area-level spatial predictors of the concentrations of 25 elements with focus on five heavy metals of concern due to health and environmental considerations. Spatial predictors included traffic volume, industrial land uses, major roadways, the airport, dirt roads, the Duwamish River, impervious surfaces, tree canopy cover, and sociodemographics. Traffic volume surrounding sample locations was the most consistent positive predictor of increasing heavy metal concentration. Greater distance from the heavy-industry corridor surrounding the Duwamish River predicted lower concentrations of all metals, with statistically significant associations for chromium and lead in some areas. As the distance from dirt roads increased, the concentration of arsenic and chromium decreased significantly. Percent tree canopy within 200 m of sample locations was a significant protective factor for cadmium concentrations. In addition, percent people of color was significantly positively associated with increasing lead, chromium and nickel concentrations. Our findings underscore the potential influence of heavy industry and mobile sources on heavy metal concentrations, the buffering potential of trees in local environments, and persistent opportunity to improve environmental justice.

Global geographical range and population size of the habitat specialist Codonoblepharon forsteri (Dicks.) Goffinet in a changing climate

ABSTRACT Introduction Codonoblepharon forsteri (Dicks.) Goffinet is a rare epiphytic moss characteristically associated with water-filled holes in trees. We reviewed its range and population and assessed effects of climate change. Methods An inventory of sites from where Codonoblepharon forsteri has been recorded was compiled. Extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) were calculated. Population size was estimated, treating an occupied tree as an ‘individual-equivalent’ of the moss. Climatic conditions of the species’ current distribution were characterised, and an ensemble model of its distribution was generated. The latter was projected onto present and future climatic layers. Key results Codonoblepharon forsteri has been recorded from 19 countries and 205 sites in Europe, North Africa and Southwest Asia. It has been undergoing an overall decline. Most sites have few occupied trees, and a world population of 1000–10,000 individual-equivalents is estimated. Model projections suggest that the species will experience a range increase of +0.36–0.65 by 2050 and +0.35–0.68 by 2070, especially in its northwest range, particularly across France and the UK. Range loss is predicted to be between –0.20 and –0.39 in 2050 and –0.21 and –0.65 in 2070, affecting the driest areas of the current range around the Mediterranean, especially in North Africa. Conclusions Codonoblepharon forsteri has a relatively large EOO but relatively small AOO, probably due to habitat specialism. A major reason for recent declines appears to be widespread abandonment of traditional ‘pollarding’ of trees. The potential climatic range of the species will shift significantly northwards over the next few decades.

Мхи лесов юго-западного побережья Байкала (Иркутская область) и их экологическое распределение

Forest moss flora of the southwestern coast of Lake Baikal is diverse both from a floristic and ecological point of view. 211 moss species are identified in the territory, of which 5 are listed in the Red Book of the Irkutsk Region [2020]. The forest types of the study area with their moss species diversity, as well as the ecotopes occupied by bryophytes are considered in detail. Light-coniferous forests are widespread in the study area with a total of 100 moss species found. These are mainly representatives of the families: Bryaceae (9 species), Dicranaceae (8), etc. Dark-coniferous forests, which spread along the river valleys (especially in the head reaches), participate in the formation of the upper forest border. There are 74 moss species in these forests, of which representatives of the families Dicranaceae (8), Sphagnaceae (6), Mniaceae (6), etc. prevail. Mixed forests are widely represented. Most of these are secondary forests. 121 leafy moss species grow in the mixed forests. These are mainly representatives of the families: Dicranaceae (15), Mniaceae (11), and Brachytheciaceae (10). In total, 132 moss species grow on the forest soil. The soil cover dominants in all the forest types are quite common mass species: Abietnella abietina (Hedw.) M. Fleisch., Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.) Bruch et al., Polytrichum juniperinum Hedw. and Sanionia uncinata (Hedw.) Loeske are less often found. All of them are the boreal flora representatives. In places with sufficient moisture, the projective moss cover can reach 70–95%. 38 moss species are found on the exposed ground. 56 epixil and 42 epiphytic moss species are found. Epilithic species make up a significant part of the forest moss flora (142 species). It is explained by the presence of a large number of rocky substrates. The distribution of epilithic species is greatly influenced by air humidity, illumination, and the presence of fine-earth humus material

Популяции Neckera pennata Hedw. в окрестностях Череповецкого промышленного комплекса, их динамика и лимитирующие факторы произрастания

The paper provides information on the locations of the populations of the protected epiphytic moss Neckera pennata Hedw. and a number of their characteristics in the vicinity of the Cherepovets industrial complex (Vologda region). The monitoring data (change in the number and projective cover of turfs) in two locations were analyzed. It revealed that the main limiting factor for the growth of moss is the microclimate conditions in the places where populations exist: air humidity (indirectly, soil moisture, undergrowth development) and illumination.

Epiphytic mosses in urban sites and the possibility of their use in biomonitoring (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk)

The article presents the study results on epiphytic mosses. The research area is Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and its surroundings. To assess the epiphytic cover the method of occurrence measuring on the tree trunks with the help of a frame 10×40 cm (400 cm2) was used at 15 locations within the study region. 15 species of epiphyte moss and their distribution characteristics were identified. Populus maximowiczii A. Henri was selected as a substrate because it predominates in urban vegetation and grows naturally in floodplain areas where control plots were set up.

Soil texture and functional traits of trees structure communities of epiphytic mosses in a tropical dry forest

The question which guided our study was: How environmental variables and trees affect the parameters of diversity, composition and abundance of epiphytic moss species at a local scale? Our hypothesis is that these moss communities are shaped by tree functional traits, which in turn are determined according to soil texture. Therefore, we collected moss from 25 permanent plots distributed along six transects (three in each texture of soil) in a Seasonally dry tropical forest (SDTF) in Northeastern Brazil. We assessed the distribution and abundance of epiphytic moss and tree species separately by performing an ordination analysis for each plot and tested if the spatial pattern of mosses was correlated with that of trees by performing a Procrustes analysis. Structural, functional and physico-chemical variables of trees were measured and subjected to uni- and multivariate analyses as potential abiotic filters. We then described the relationship between the response (richness and abundance) and predictor variables (structural, functional and physico-chemical variables) of the trees. As a result, we found that deciduous tree species were more frequent in sandy soils with less water retention. Leaf shedding by deciduous species reduces the total evapotranspiration surface during the dry season compared to evergreens. In contrast, evergreen trees were more frequent in clay soils, which have a higher water retention capacity. These differences in tree functional groups between soil types promoted different moss epiphytic communities in environments with different soil textures. Despite generalist and sun moss species dominating the study area, we found two groups with different environmental requirements based on the abundance of life forms: tuft and weft in drier areas; and mat and dendroid in wetter areas. Epiphytic moss community composition reflects the environmental conditions for each of the formed groups through the pattern of the trees’ functional traits predicted by different soil textures.

EPIPHYTIC BRYOFLORA OF SOUTHERN KARELIA

The article provides a brief overview of epiphytic moss diversity on the main stand-forming tree species - spruce (Picea spp.), aspen (Populus tremula), and birch (Betula spp.), in southern Karelia. The list includes 60 species for which information about the location, habitat, and type of substrate is presented. Comparison with checklists from other regions suggests the epiphytic bryoflora of the middle taiga subzone in Karelia has been revealed quite fully. The highest species diversity of epiphytic mosses was found on aspen - 56 species; 20 and 18 species were recorded from birch and spruce, respectively. Common species in the epiphytic cover on aspen trunks are Amblystegium serpens, Brachythecium salebrosum, Dicranum scoparium, Hylocomium splendens, Lewinskya elegans, Nyholmiella obtusifolia, Plagiomnium cuspidatum, and Pleurozium schreberi; for birch - Dicranum montanum, D. scoparium, Hylocomium splendens, Plagiothecium rossicum, Pleurozium schreberi, and Sanionia uncinata; for spruce - Dicranum scoparium, Hylocomium splendens, Plagiothecium rossicum, and Pleurozium schreberi. Among the listed species, 2 mosses are included in the Red Data Book of Karelia (Neckera pennata and Nyholmiella gymnostoma), and 11 mosses (Eurhynchiastrum pulchellum, Eurhynchium angustirete, Homalia trichomanoides, Isothecium alopecuroides, Mnium stellare, Neckera pennata, Nyholmiella gymnostoma, N. obtusifolia, Plagiomnium drummondii, Pylaisia selwynii, Ulota intermedia) are considered as indicators of biologically valuable forest communities. Obligate epiphytic moss species in the middle taiga subzone of Karelia are Lewinskya elegans, Neckera pennata, Nyholmiella obtusifolia, N. gymnostoma, Pylaisia polyantha, P. selwynii, and Ulota intermedia.

Тяжёлые металлы в почвах и мхах-эпифитах Ленинского района г. Ижевск

The article presents the results of studies on the assessment of heavy metal pollution of soils and epiphytes in of the city of Izhevsk. Objects of research: soils of near-trunk circles of black poplar (Populus nigra L.) and epiphytic moss of Schreber's pleurotium (Pleurozium schreberi (Willd. Ex Brid.) Mitt.). To assess the pollution, the magnetic susceptibility of soils and mosses was determined, as well as the average total content of heavy metals in the samples under study. The relationship between the content of heavy metals and the magnetic susceptibility of soils and epiphytes has been determined. A correlation was revealed between the total content of Zn, Cr, Fe, V in soils and in mosses, which indicates air pollution of soils. Keywords: MAGNETIC SENSITIVITY, HEAVY METALS, MOSSES-EPIPHYTES, AIR POLLUTION

Small-scale distributions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban areas using geospatial modeling: A case study using the moss Orthotrichum lyellii in Portland, Oregon, U.S.A.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread pollutants that are costly to measure with air quality instruments. We used a spatially balanced sample of an epiphytic moss, Orthotrichum lyellii, to develop fine-scale maps of atmospheric PAHs across residential areas of Portland, Oregon. The unusual abundance of this stress-tolerant species enabled us to systematically collect a large sample (n = 350) on a 1 × 1km grid across the city. This provided the unique opportunity to investigate potential effects of more than 20 factors on PAH concentrations in moss, including emissions sources, tree canopy cover, relative elevation, short-term weather, and nuance of sample collection. We measured 20 PAHs in moss samples and assigned them to 4 groups for analysis based on molecular weight (MW): the Naphthalene, Low, Medium, and High MW groups. Spatial regression models explained a modest amount of variation in PAH concentrations in moss, with spatial structure increasing as MW increased. Motor vehicle emissions were the only PAH source we detected and was highly significant in all models. Deciduous tree cover correlated with lower PAH concentrations in moss for all except the high MW group. Short-term weather and nuance of sample collection, like height on the sampled tree, tree taxonomic family, and whether sample was primarily collected from a branch or bole, had surprisingly large effects on all groups. Overall, results aligned with expectations based on each group's dispersal potential due to MW. All PAH groups were highest over downtown Portland, along major highways, and lowest in parks and outer neighborhoods, although the details varied. Our results supported two common themes in studies directly measuring PAHs: the importance of roads as an emissions source in residential areas, and the potential for trees to reduce atmospheric concentrations. Moreover, the large effects of weather and sampling nuance have critical implications for the design of future studies.

Reduced-Impact Logging Maintain High Moss Diversity in Temperate Forests

Forestry harvesting represents an important economic activity around the world. Habitat degradation due to forest harvesting contributes to biodiversity loss; therefore, it is necessary to implement logging management aimed at reducing its impact. Forest management by reduce-impact logging (RIL) involves cutting trees following regulations focused on diminishing the impact on biodiversity by following harvesting plans based on forestry inventories and participation of trained workers. In Mexico, RIL is applied mainly in temperate habitats and its effectiveness has been assessed based on vascular plants. In this study, we analyzed the diversity and community structure of terrestrial and epiphytic mosses in managed (sites number = 3) and conserved (sites number = 3) sites in the temperate forest of Sierra Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico. Likewise, we evaluated the potential function of mosses as indicators of habitat degradation. Environmental variables were also quantified at local (canopy coverage, altitude, daily temperature, and light) and regional (total annual rainfall, orientation, and slope) scales to evaluate potential relationships with the community and species diversity. We documented 70 mosses species with a diversity (alfa, beta) and community structure similar between managed and conserved sites. For terrestrial mosses, we found marginal differences in their communities, likely related to species coverture variation in managed sites. The diversity and community structure epiphytic mosses were not statistically different in managed and conserved sites. Only the daily variation in light intensity was positively related to the variation of alpha diversity of epiphytic mosses. The species Dicranum sumichrastii Duby and Leptodontium viticulosoides (P. Beauv.) Wijk & Margad. can be considered as ecological indicators for conserved and managed sites, respectively, likely due to their relationship with light and humidity conditions. Our results suggest that that forest management by RIL could be considered as a promising tool to balance timber production and moss diversity.

Low-Trunk Epiphytic Fern Gametophyte and Sporophyte Occurrence Is Influenced by Moss Height and Density in a Costa Rican Lowland Tropical Rain Forest

Premise of research. Tropical epiphytic ferns and mosses commonly inhabit similar niche spaces, yet little is known about the interspecific interactions between the two, especially with reference to the fern life cycle of functionally distinct, independent gametophytes and sporophytes. Previous research has shown that mosses often act as ecosystem engineers, storing water and altering the microclimate to allow seed plant establishment. And because ferns require free water for gamete exchange, mosses may play an important facilitative role in fern fertilization. In our study, we examine the spatial relationships between low-trunk epiphytic mosses, fern gametophytes, and sporophytes in a lowland tropical rain forest in Costa Rica.Methodology. We surveyed low-trunk (0–2 m above the forest floor) epiphytic ferns at La Selva Biological Station and compared the height (average of five tallest ramets) and density (classified into four classes based on percentage of cover) of mosses near fern gametophytes and fern sporophytes while considering the effects of other abiotic factors including light, azimuth, height on the tree, and tree diameter at breast height.Pivotal results. A logistic regression analysis of fern life stage against all measured abiotic and biotic factors revealed that only moss height predicted the occurrence of fern gametophytes or sporophytes. Fern gametophytes occurred in shorter moss, while fern sporophytes occurred in taller moss. As moss density increased, the percentage of sporophyte individuals increased, while the percentage of gametophytes decreased.Conclusions. Our data show evidence of a novel biotic mechanism that assists the success of ferns as epiphytes. The results indicate that tall moss, possibly through microclimatic properties, facilitates gametophyte fertilization or sporophyte survival but outcompetes fern gametophytes as the moss increases in height and density. Unraveling the interspecific interactions between these two dominant epiphyte lineages provides further insight into canopy successional processes, biotic interactions among epiphytes, and fern community ecology.

Moss-inhabiting diatom communities from Ile Amsterdam (TAAF, southern Indian Ocean)

Background and aims – Despite the ongoing taxonomical revision of the entire (sub)-Antarctic diatom flora, our knowledge on the ecology and community associations of moss-inhabiting diatoms is still rather limited. In the present study, our research aim was to survey the diversity together with the environmental factors structuring the epiphytic moss diatom communities on Ile Amsterdam (TAAF), a small volcanic island in the southern Indian Ocean.Material and methods – A morphology-based dataset and (physico)chemical measurements were used for the ecological and biogeographical analysis of moss-inhabiting diatom flora from Ile Amsterdam. In total, 148 moss samples were examined using light microscopy.Key results – The analysis revealed the presence of 125 diatom taxa belonging to 38 genera. The uniqueness of the Ile Amsterdam diatom flora is mainly reflected by the species composition of the dominant genera Pinnularia, Nitzschia, Humidophila, and Luticola, with a large number of unknown and often new species. This highly specific diatom flora, together with differences in the habitats sampled and the isolated position of the island, resulted in very low similarity values between Ile Amsterdam and the other islands of the Southern Ocean. From a biogeographical point of view, 40% of the taxa have a typical cosmopolitan distribution, whereas 22% of all observed species can be considered endemic to Ile Amsterdam, with another 17% species showing a restricted sub-Antarctic distribution. The NMDS analysis, based on a cluster dendrogram, divides the samples into six main groups. For each group, indicator species were determined. Both environmental data and diatom distributions indicate that apart from elevation, specific conductance, pH, and moisture are the major factors determining the structure of moss-inhabiting diatom communities on Ile Amsterdam.Conclusion – The isolated geographic position and unique climatological and geological features of the island shaped the presence of a unique diatom flora, characterised by many endemic species. The results of the study are of prime importance for further (palaeo-)ecological and biogeographical research.

Studying the influence of seasonal conditions and period of exposure on trace element concentrations in the moss-transplant Pylaisia polyantha.

This study evaluates the effects of seasonal conditions and exposure periods on trace element concentrations in samples of the epiphytic moss Pylaisia ​​polyantha when transplanted into urban areas. This assessment was carried out in summer and winter at four sites differing in their level of technogenic trace element load. The contents of 25 trace elements (As, Ba, Br, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hf, La, Lu, Mo, Nd, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Sr, Tb, Th, U, Yb, and Zn) were determined using neutron-activation analysis, and it was shown that seasonal conditions do not affect vital activity in P. ​​polyantha graft moss. For most elements, the greatest increase in trace element concentration in P. ​​polyantha transplant moss was observed within one month. The high sensitivity of this epiphytic moss-transplant to the level of technogenic load has thus been demonstrated, and it may find utility in future research with similar objectives.

Species composition and structure of the nematode communities of epiphytic mosses in the Left-bank Polesie (Ukraine)

Species and generic composition of nematode communities from the epiphytic mosses in the Left-bank Polesie were studied. Nematodes were extracted by a modified Baermann’s method. A total of 47 species was found and they belonged to 34 genera, 21 families and 8 orders. The average number of nematodes was 4077 per 100 g of the moss. Rhabditida, Tylenchida, Plectida and Dorylaimida composed had more species richness (12, 10, 8 and 7 species, respectively). Species of these four orders comprised 78.7%. Representatives of three order Plectida, Dorylaimida and Monhysterida were the most numerous within the considered communities (proportion in the communities were 40.75, 21.30 and 18.65%, respectively). The majority of the identified species were subrecedent (31 or 65.95% of species composition) and accidental species (37 or 78.72%). Three species: Plectus parietinus Bastian, 1865, Mesodorylaimus bastiani Bütschli, 1873 and Geomonhystera villosa Bütschli, 1873 composed the core of nematode communities from epiphytic mosses in the Left-bank Polesie. They were found in 70.21, 57.45 and 53.19% of the samples, proportion in the community of 15.21, 10.03 and 17.96%, respectively.

Development and validation of in-situ and laboratory X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy methods for moss biomonitoring of metal pollution

Metals are among the pollutants of highest concern in urban areas due to their persistence, bioavailability and toxicity. High concentrations of metals threaten aquatic ecosystem functioning and biodiversity, as well as human health. High-resolution estimates of pollutant sources are required to mitigate exposure to toxic compounds by identifying the specific locations and associated site characteristics where the deposition of metals is greatest. Mosses have been widely used as low-cost biological monitors of metal pollution for decades, because they readily accumulate pollutants over time, reflecting long term pollution levels. However, spectroscopic techniques to determine the concentration of metal pollutants in moss samples still require expensive instrumentation and involve time consuming sample preparation protocols with heavy use of reagents. Here we present protocols to perform in-situ and laboratory X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy of epiphytic moss as rapid, low-cost, and accurate alternatives to conventional metal pollution biomonitoring. We also report on a preliminary validation of the measurements using mass fractions determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) as reference.•XRF measurements are taken from moss directly on tree trunks in less than five minutes.•Grinding and pelletizing of moss enables definitive quantitation (R2>0.90) of metals through portable XRF.