Moss Hypnum Cupressiforme Hedw Research Articles

Chemical Composition, Lipid-Soluble Bioactive Compounds and Potential Health Benefits of the Moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw.

Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. is the main species for Moss surveys (ICP Vegetation programme) in Southeastern Europe and is widely distributed in the region. In addition to their biomonitoring role, mosses are applied in some countries as a traditional medicine for the treatment of eczema, cuts, burns, eye diseases, etc. Therefore, the chemical and lipid composition of the moss H. cupressiforme is of interest to establish their possible application in different fields. The chemical composition of the moss was examined regarding total lipids, proteins, carbohydrates (i.e., fibres), ash, and moisture content. The main lipid-soluble bioactive components were determined as sterols, tocopherols, phospholipids and fatty acids. The major fatty acids were linoleic (14.9%), oleic (13.8%), palmitic (12.5%) and α-linolenic (11.3%) acids. Unsaturated fatty acids (56.4%) prevailed in the glyceride oil, in which the polyunsaturated ones constituted 32.5%. The lipid indices (atherogenicity, thrombogenicity, hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio, peroxidability, and oxidation stability index) were also theoretically calculated based on the fatty acid composition of the moss lipids to establish their health benefits and the rate of oxidation. The primary results of this study revealed H. cupressiforme to be a promising alternative source of bioactive compounds that could be implemented in supplements with health-promoting effects.

Accumulation of Potentially Toxic Elements in Mosses Collected in the Republic of Moldova.

For the second time, the moss biomonitoring technique was applied to evaluate the deposition of potentially toxic elements in the Republic of Moldova. The study was performed in the framework of the International Cooperative Program on Effects of Air Pollution on Natural Vegetation and Crops. Moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. samples were collected in May 2020 from 41 sampling sites distributed over the entire territory of the country. The mass fractions of 35 elements (Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Br, Se, Rb, Sr, Sb, Cs, Ba, Cd, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb, Hf, Ta, Th, Pb, and U) were determined using neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry. Comparing with 2015/2016 moss survey data, significant differences in the mass fractions of Cr, As, Se, Br, Sr, Sb, Cd, Pb, and Cu were found. Main air pollution sources (natural processes, transport, industry, agriculture, mining) were identified and characterized using factor and correlation analyses. GIS maps were built to point out the zones with the highest element mass fractions and to relate this to the known sources of contamination. Contamination factor, geo-accumulation index, pollution load index, and potential ecological risk index were calculated to assess the air pollution levels in the country. According to the calculated values, Moldova can be characterized as unpolluted to moderately polluted, with low potential ecological risk related to the degree of atmospheric deposition of potentially toxic elements. The cities of Chisinau and Balti were determined to experience particular environmental stress and are considered moderately polluted.

ELEMENTAL CONCENTRATIONS AND SOIL-TO-MOSS TRANSFER FACTORS OF RADIONUCLIDES IN THE ENVIRONMENT OF NORTH KOSOVO AND METOHIJA

This paper deals with investigations of elemental concentrations and soil-to-moss transfer factors of radionuclides in area of municipalities Kosovska Mitrovica and Zubin Potok. Twelve samples of soil and moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. were collected during May 2018. Transfer factors of radionuclides: 226Ra, 232Th, 40Kand 137Cs were calculated with regard to elemental concentrations of radionuclides in soil and moss samples. Analysis was done in order to indicate the different ways of adopting radionuclides by mosses. According to calculated transfer factors and analysis, authors concluded that the soil is dominant source of natural radionuclides and their concentration in moss occurred due to resuspension of soil particles, while artificial 137Cs is present in soil and moss samples as a consequence of atmospheric dry and wet deposition.

Organochlorines burden in moss H. cupressiforme and topsoil across Serbia.

Following up-to-date initiatives of the Stockholm Convention, its global monitoring plan, and the International Cooperative Programme on Natural Vegetation and Crops (ICP Vegetation 2015) under the convention on long-range transboundary air pollution, this study examined 17 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and seven organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. and topsoil sampled across Serbia. In the topsoil, OCPs ranged from 0.0158 to 9.6804ngg-1 while concentrations of individual PCB congeners were in the range between 0.0185 and 0.3107ngg-1. The levels of OCPs and PCBs in the moss H. cupressiforme ranged from 2.7785 to 23.9501ngg-1, and from 0.4325 to 15.8013ngg-1, respectively. POP relationships between topsoil and moss investigated by fugacity model equations indicated that the moss POP enrichment was a result of atmospheric long-range transport rather than secondary reemissions from soil.

Extracts Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation of Potential Immunomodulatory Activities of the Moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw.

Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the chemistry and biological potential of mosses, since a large number of biologically active compounds have been found within these species. This study aimed at examining the chemical composition and immunomodulatory potential (antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-neuroinflammatory/antineurodegenerative, and antitumor activities) of moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. extracts. Corresponding extracts have been obtained applying Soxhlet extractor. The chemical characterization was performed using spectrophotometric assays and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The extracts were analyzed for antioxidant activity and for inhibitory activities on α-glucosidase, α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase. Additionally, extracts were tested against four cell lines—MRC-5, BV2, HCT-116, and MDA-MB-231—for antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities. Chemical analysis of extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and triterpenoids. Major compounds identified by LC-MS in H. cupressiforme were kaempferol and five phenolic acids: p-hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, p-coumaric, gallic, and caffeic acid. According to biochemical assays the investigated extracts exhibited significant immunomodulatory potential. Significant antiproliferative potential against MDA-MB-231 cells has been observed together with the promising anti-neuroinflammatory application. The obtained data suggest that moss H. cupressiforme is a valuable natural source of biologically active compounds with potential application in the pharmaceutical industry.

Monitoring of temporal trend of atmospheric metals by moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw in Jammu (India)

Atmospheric pollutants, such as metals, are extremely variable in space and time and it is cumbersome and expensive to deduce detailed information over a vast area using traditional instruments. Consequently, a cost-effective bio-monitor was preferred in the present study to analyze the atmospheric metal load. For this purpose, a moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw was inducted amongst moss species available to evaluate the intensity and trend of atmospheric deposition of Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb in Jammu in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India for a period of three years, 2014- 2016. The biomonitoring experimentation was performed by transplanting moss bags prepared from Hypnum cupressiforme, after validating its tolerance against metals using a photosynthetic efficiency analyzer in the field. Moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw exposed seasonally, covering summer, monsoon, and winter periods, upon the analysis provided time-integrated patterns of metal bioavailability at the study sites. An attempt was made to compare the seasonal variations during the three years of study and findings exhibited significant seasonal variations in metal. The gradient of the metal load was in the order of Cu>Cd>Zn>Pb. The total average percentage increase in the metals under consideration, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Cd, was 40%, 37%,79%, and 76%, respectively during three subsequent years. It is worth mentioning here that biomonitoring studies on atmospheric metals have never been explored for this region.

Elemental concentrations and soil-to-moss transfer factors of radionuclides in the environment of North Kosovo and Metohija

This paper deals with investigations of elemental concentrations and soil-to-moss transfer factors of radionuclides in area of municipalities Kosovska Mitrovica and Zubin Potok. Twelve samples of soil and moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. were collected during May 2018. Transfer factors of radionuclides: 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs were calculated with regard to elemental concentrations of radionuclides in soil and moss samples. Analysis was done in order to indicate the different ways of adopting radionuclides by mosses. According to calculated transfer factors and analysis, authors concluded that the soil is dominant source of natural radionuclides and their concentration in moss occurred due to resuspension of soil particles, while artificial 137Cs is present in soil and moss samples as a consequence of atmospheric dry and wet deposition.

Atmospheric deposition of trace elements in Greece using moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. as biomonitors

Mosses have been used for monitoring trace elements airborne pollution due to their ability to accumulate elements directly from wet and dry deposition. During the 2015/2016 European moss survey, ninety-five samples of Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. were collected in Northern Greece. Mosses were analyzed to the content of Neutron Activation Analysis and the concentrations of thirty-three elements were determined. The contamination factors for the following elements Al, As, V, Ni, Fe, Cr, Zn were calculated. Information about air quality was provided through the study of atmospheric deposition of trace elements in mosses in the vicinity of Northern Greece.

Environmental implication indices from elemental characterisations of collocated topsoil and moss samples

Pollutants, once emitted into the atmosphere, are deposited on the Earth’s surface where they further accumulate in both biota and soil. It is therefore a challenge to assess pollutant distributions in different media, and define the various scaling factors to correctly assess each pollutant’s environmental implications. In this study, the concentration of potentially toxic elements and their environmental implications were estimated for moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. and the collocated topsoil (0–5 cm) samples, collected from 21 sites across the Province of Kosovo and Metohija (Serbia) during June 2016. The concentrations of Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, U, V, and Zn were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Median Ba, Cd, Cr, Co, Ni, V and maximum As, Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations in topsoil samples from the study area were higher than prescribed limits in the national and international regulations. Furthermore, we applied and discussed different metrics to assess the pollution level (enrichment factors [EFs], geo-accumulation [Igeo] and pollution load index [PLI]). Different pollution scaling indicates moderate to severe environmental implications (2 < PLI < 5; 1 < Igeo < 7, 1 < EFs < 275) of the potentially toxic elements in the study area. The sampling sites in the northern part of the study area, well-known for their mineral resources, are particularly affected by toxic element pollution, which is likely a consequence of both the exploitation and waste disposal taking place there. More specifically, a comparison of element EFs calculated according to the Earth’s crust values with those considering the topsoil background values, points toward a strong influence of (resuspended) soil component in the element enrichment of all environmental samples (i.e., in both the moss an collocated topsoil). However, the EFs of Pb, Cu, Zn, and U in the moss samples were notably higher than those calculated for the collocated topsoil, which could be an indication of a non-local pollution. Finally, both the collocated measurements and multiscale pollution assessment, performed simultaneously, testify to the strong geochemical ‘signature’ of the studied area.

Urban background of air pollution: Evaluation through moss bag biomonitoring of trace elements in Botanical garden

Urban background air pollution is the lowest level of pollution representative for the exposure of general urban population and mainly originates from non-local sources of pollution. Moss bag technique has been predominantly adopted for biomonitoring of trace elements across anthropogenically devastated areas, such as urban and industrial zones. However, the technique has been rarely used for measurement of background air pollution. In this study, element content and concomitant physiological parameters were assessed in the moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. after its exposure within the bags in the Botanical garden (Belgrade, Serbia), as the presumable background area. During the summer of 2014, the moss bags were exposed for 60days in total, and the sample analyses were performed every 15days. As a control of the measured physiological parameters, a set of the moss bags was kept within the phytotron, under conditions of optimal-like growth. The total content of 21 elements, photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids), phenolics, and antioxidative capacity were determined in the moss samples. The levels of trace elements were markedly lower within the Botanical garden in comparison to the street ambient, but still significantly higher than in the moss pristine habitat. However, the performed physiological tests indicated that the vulnerability of the moss during exposure time was not caused by the low trace element enrichment, but probably by the harsh meteorological parameters in an urban area. Finally, the Botanical garden could be assumed as control site for measurement of the urban background pollution, and it might be effectively measured by the moss bag technique.

Trace elements and nitrogen content in naturally growing moss Hypnum cupressiforme in urban and peri-urban forests of the Municipality of Ljubljana (Slovenia).

We monitored trace metals and nitrogen using naturally growing moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. in urban and peri-urban forests of the City Municipality of Ljubljana. The aim of this study was to explore the differences in atmospheric deposition of trace metals and nitrogen between urban and peri-urban forests. Samples were collected at a total of 44 sites in urban forests (forests within the motorway ring road) and peri-urban forests (forests outside the motorway ring road). Mosses collected in urban forests showed increased trace metal concentrations compared to samples collected from peri-urban forests. Higher values were significant for As, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl and V. Within the motorway ring road, the notable differences in element concentrations between the two urban forests were significant for Cr, Ni and Mo. Factor analysis showed three groups of elements, highlighting the contribution of traffic emissions, individual heating appliances and the resuspension of contaminated soils and dust as the main sources of trace elements in urban forests.

Insecticidal activity of Hypnum cupressiforme (Bryophyta) against Sitophilus granarius (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. is cosmopolitan throughout the world and is one of the most common moss species in Turkey. In the autumn of 2011, moss samples were collected from Şadıman Hill located in Ilgaz Mountain National Park in Turkey. After drying the collected samples at room temperature, the green gametophytes and brownish rhizoid parts of the plant were separated from other contents and ground up before extraction procedure. The contact toxicities of 14 column fractions and 11 flash fractions of H. cupressiforme were evaluated against granary weevil (Sitophilus granarius) adults. The fractions C-10 (70.62%) obtained from column chromatography and F-11 (64.48%) obtained from flash chromatography showed the highest activity. As a result of dose dependent studies carried out on C-10 and F-11, LC50 values were calculated as 44.8 μg/μl and 45.3 μg/μl, respectively. Two other fractions C-3 (29.9%) and F-2 (32.1%) were determined to have an active substance different from fractions C-10 and F-11. The LC50 values of fractions C-3 and F-2 were determined as 81.3 μg/μl and 124.6 μg/μl, respectively.

Drought changes nutrient sources, content and stoichiometry in the bryophyte Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. growing in a Mediterranean forest

We conducted a 6 year field experiment in an evergreen Quercus ilex forest where we simulated the increased drought projected by Global Circulation Models (GCM) and ecophysiological models for the immediate decades. We tested the hypothesis that enhanced drought will change C, N, P, K, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mo and S concentrations of the widespread moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. and its capacity to absorb nutrients of soil-borne or airborne origin. During the period of study, from 1999 to 2005, the soil moisture in the drought treatment was on average 9% lower than the soil moisture in the control plots. Drought increased the K concentration by 10% and the C concentration by 6%, and decreased the Fe and Mo concentrations by 33% and 18%, respectively, and the N/P content ratio by 15%. A principal component analysis showed that 69% of the variation in moss elemental concentrations is explained by the drought treatment. Drought increased the enrichment factors of several elements, mainly of P, K, Ca, Mg, S and Mo, relative to bedrock extracts, thus showing that the proportion of these elements absorbed from the atmosphere had been increased by drought. The results show that drought increased the concentration of elements linked to drought resistance such as C and K, and decreased the contents of others important for plant productivity such as Mo and Fe. Drought thereby changed moss stoichiometry, and this could also affect the palatability and quite probably, the moss–herbivore relationships and decomposition rates.

Lichen and moss bags as monitoring devices in urban areas. Part I: Influence of exposure on sample vitality

Samples of the lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf and the moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. were exposed for 6 weeks in nylon bags in two air pollution monitoring stations in Trieste and Naples (Italy) with different climates and pollution loads to evaluate influence of environmental conditions on sample vitality. This was assessed before and after exposure by transmission electron microscopy observations, K cellular location, and measurements of C, N, S and photosynthetic pigments content, CO 2 gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence. Almost all data sets indicate that exposures caused some damage to the species, considerably heavier in the moss, especially in Naples. The two cryptogams differed significantly in accumulation and retention of C, N, and S, the lichen clearly reflecting NO 2 availability. The difference in vitality loss was related to the different ecophysiology of the species, because concentrations of phytotoxic pollutants were low during exposure. Critical notes on the analytical techniques are also given.

Lichen and moss bags as monitoring devices in urban areas. Part II: Trace element content in living and dead biomonitors and comparison with synthetic materials

Lobes of the lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf and shoots of the moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. were subjected to different treatments (water washing, oven drying, HNO 3 washing, NH 4-oxalate extraction) to assess the influence of vitality on accumulation efficiency, during a 6-week exposure in bags in two Italian cities, Trieste and Naples. No trend emerged between treatments, in terms of accumulation ability, for major and trace elements. Only water-washed lichens showed an increased C and N content after exposure in both cities. Element concentrations generally reached higher values in mosses than in lichens, especially for Al, Fe, and Zn (both cities), and for Cu, Mg and Na (Naples). Surface development strongly influenced accumulation capacity of the biomonitors. Quartzose and cation exchange filters revealed, on a weight basis, a poor performance. In urban environments, surface interception of atmospheric particulate seems to play a major role in accumulation, irrespective of organism vitality.

Nematode assemblages from the moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. growing on different substrates in a balkanic durmast oak forest (Quercus dalechampii Ten.) on Mount Vitosha, Bulgaria

AbstractSpecies and generic composition, trophic structure and some ecological parameters of nematode assemblages from the moss, Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw., in a durmast oak (Quercus dalechampii Ten.) forest were studied on three substrates (soil, stone and tree trunks). Nematode abundance was very variable between samples and substrates. Nematode assemblages varied in species composition but were similar in generic composition, diversity and trophic group structure. Bacterial feeders were the most abundant, frequent and diverse trophic group, while the proportion of omnivorous and predatory nematodes was remarkably low, i.e., the nematode assemblages present can be characterised as of the 'detritus foodweb' type. No clear substrate-dependent patterns in the distribution of single species were found, with the exception of Chiloplectus andrassyi which was typical and abundant for mosses growing on stones.La composition spécifique et générique, la structure trophique et quelques paramètres écologiques des communautés de nématodes vivant dans la mousse Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. poussant dans une forêt de chênes (Quercus dalechampii Ten.) ont été étudiés sur trois substrats: sol, rochers et troncs d'arbres. L'abondance des nématodes variait fortement suivant l'échantillon et le substrat. Les communautés de nématodes présentaient une composition spécifique variable, mais étaient très semblables en ce qui concerne la composition générique, la diversité et la structure des groupes trophiques. Les bactérivores représentaient le groupe trophique le plus abondant, fréquent et diversifié, tandis que la proportion des nématodes omnivores et prédateurs était remarquablement faible, c'est à-dire que les communautés de nématodes présentes peuvent être considérées du type 'réseau détritivore'. Aucun modèle net de dépendance envers le substrat n'a été observé dans la répartition des espèces à l'exception de Chiloplacus andrassyi, typique et abondant dans les mousses poussant sur les rochers.