Scleropodium Purum Research Articles

МОХОПОДІБНІ (BRYOBIONTA) ЯК ТЕСТ-ОБ’ЄКТИ БРІОГЕОХІМІЧНОЇ ІНДИ-КАЦІЇ АТМОСФЕРНИХ ВИПАДАНЬ ВАЖКИХ МЕТАЛІВ ТА РАДІОНУКЛІДІВ У НАВКОЛИШНЬОМУ СЕРЕДОВИЩІ ЄВРОПИ. АНАЛІТИЧНИЙ ОГЛЯД

The review presents the analysis of publications dedicated to problems of using of Bryobionta representatives for bryogeochemical indication and biomonitoring of heavy metals and radionuclides in the environment. Taxonomic structure of Bryobionta is briefly observed, three divisions of Bryobionta are elucidated – Anthocerotophyta, Marchantiophyta and Bryophyta. It is concluded that the most suitable moss species for biomonitoring of heavy metals and radionuclides are representatives from division Bryophyta, such as Hylocomium splendens, Pleurozium schreberi, Hypnum cupressiforme, Scleropodium purum. The mosses have been successfully used in biomonitoring of atmospheric fallout of heavy metals in the environment in Europe for 25 years. A special system of monitoring on their basis is applied in 28 countries of the continent. For the most important moss species used as test-objects of biomonitoring, significant width of their geographic distribution is shown as well as distribution on different substrates of growth (epigeious, epiphytic, epilytic). The main biological peculiarities of mosses which allow to use them for purposes of biomonitoring of heavy metals and radionuclides have been analyzed, i.e. absence of roots, that permits them to derive the main part of nutrients (and pollutants) directly from aerial fallouts – dry (dust) and wet (rain, snow), and high cation exchange capacity of their cell membranes. The most important anatomical and morphological features of three moss groups (endohydritic, ectohydritic, mixohydritic) are briefly reported, and a conclusion about the best suitability of ectohydritic moss species for bryogeochemical indication and biomonitoring of pollutants is made. Results of numerous biomonitoring studies conducted with using of widely distributed moss species in Europe in nature and anthropogenic biogeocenoses are demonstrated. Criteria to mosses as test-objects of bryogeochemical indication and biomonitoring are briefly reported. Physiological adaptations of mosses to stress emerging due to intake of significant concentrations of heavy metals to their phytomass are generalized. Requirements to sampling of moss cover for purposes of bryogeochemical indication and biomonitoring of pollutants are reported. Perspective moss species as test-objects of environmental pollution by heavy metals and radionuclides are proposed for different natural zones of Ukraine: for Polissya zone – Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi, for Forest-Steppe zone – Hypnum cupressiforme, for Steppe zone – Tortula muralis and Bryum argenteum.

Evaluation of Photosynthetic, Enzymatic Activities and Lipoperoxidation Level in Two Species of Bryophytes Exposed to Sencorate

To better understand the behavior of the plants towards xenobiotics, two species of bryophytes (<i>Orthotrichum affine</i> and <i>Scleropodium purum</i>), bioindicators of the region of Souk Ahras (Algeria) which have properties completely different (classification, reproductive cycle...) are treated under hydroponic conditions by 125, 250, 500, 1000 and 1500 mg / L of Sencorate herbicide (Metribuzin) for 3, 7, 14 and 21 days. A measure of some physiological, biochemical and enzymatic parameters characteristic of oxidative stress have allowed us to evaluate not only the effect of Sencorate herbicide but also the behavior of the two species with respect to pollution. Statistical analysis of the results showed significant differences between the treated and control samples for the majority of parameters studied, with lower levels of chlorophyll pigments (<i>a, b, a+b</i>) accompanied by increased levels of proline, total protein and soluble carbohydrates. Depletion of GSH at the beginning of treatment, accompanied by an increase in Malondialdehyde MDA levels were observed with low activity of the enzyme biomarkers Catalase and Ascorbat peroxydase (CAT and APX), which reflects the high tolerance of these species to pollutants.

Contemporary lead concentration and stable lead isotope ratio distribution in forest moss across the Czech Republic

Lead concentrations and stable lead isotopes (204Pb, 206Pb, 207Pb, 208Pb) were measured in forest moss samples (Pleurozium schreberi or Scleropodium purum) collected at 273 sites across the Czech Republic during 2010. Continuously decreasing median Pb concentrations in moss were documented over the last two decades: 1995: 11mg/kg, 2000: 5.66mg/kg, 2005: 4.94mg/kg and 2010: 2.85mg/kg. Several local anomalies have decreased in scale, the overall regional distribution patterns remained, however, the same. The regional Pb isotope ratio distributions show that the ratios show little variation for a large central part of the country and provide the large-scale background isotope ratios for the Czech Republic of about 204Pb/206Pb=0.0550, 206Pb/207Pb=1.167, 206Pb/208Pb=0.478 and 207Pb/208Pb=0.409 for 2010. This background Pb isotope ratio signal in moss has been locally (900–7500km2) modified by specific Pb isotopic ratio signals caused by deposition of Pb emissions from known local anthropogenic Pb emission sources, such as industrial combustion of local coal, and a variety of industrial enterprises (metallurgical, engineering and glass works). At some sites where mining of uranium and polymetallic ores took place the moss samples show also a locally specific Pb isotope signal. The in terms of area affected largest deviations in the Pb-isotope ratios, e.g., in the Bohemian Massif, may be due to the input of geogenic dust.

Heavy metal bioaccumulation by the bryophyte Scleropodium purum at three French sites under various influences: rural conditions, traffic, and industry

An active biomonitoring of the heavy metals pollution experiment was undertaken by means of the bryophyte species Scleropodium purum transplanted at three different sites exposed to rural, traffic, or industrial influences. Concentrations of about 40 elements in S. purum were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Accumulation rates of heavy metals were determined in the three sites. These accumulation rates in polluted sites were matched together and also to those recorded at the rural site. The changes of the accumulation rate of heavy metals in S. purum versus their concentrations in PM(10) particles simultaneously collected above show some different accumulation properties of S. purum according to elements and sites. S. purum has a weak efficiency in the three sites to accumulate elements like V, Cr, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sb, and Pb originating from atmospheric hot sources generally enriched in particulates matter (PM(10)), whereas it is particularly high for Br, Th, and Rb. For other elements, Co, La, Ce, and Hf, and rare earth elements, Fe, Sr, Nb, Ti, Al, and Sc, the collection efficiency by S. purum is intermediate. In the industrial site Dunkerque, a magnification of the collection efficiency by S. purum for elements originating from steel and aluminum productions and petroleum refinement suggests that these metals could be enriched in coarse particles with a better accumulation by the bryophyte with respect to PM10.

Biomonitoring of Metal Deposition in the Vicinity of Eregli Steel Plant in Turkey

This article describes the first attempt to study the concentration of seven element (Fe, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, Co, and As) contaminations in the vicinity of the Eregli Iron and Steel Plant (ERDEMIR) by analysis of two pleurocarpic moss species (Hypnum cupressiforme and Scleropodium purum). Samples of H. cupressiforme were collected from May 2003 to October 2004. Unwashed, dried samples were digested with HNO3/HClO4, and the concentrations of heavy metals were determined by graphite–furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). In the region, general orders of heavy metal content in samples of mosses were determined as follows: Fe > Pb > Cr > Ni > Cu > Co > As. Comparisons were made between the two moss species for those elements presents at different concentrations and regression analysis were made to see interspecies relationship. H. cupressiforme and S. purum are significantly correlated for only Fe (P < 0.01) having Pearson's correlation coefficient as 0.93, indicating interspecies calibration for Fe. The ratios (Hc/Sp) were relatively better correlated with 1/Sp for As than for other metals, suggesting a saturation effect in H. cupressiforme for As. The deposition of metals due to the operation of the steel plant has been established and could be further monitored. Such information could be useful for forensic studies aiming to apportion between different possible sources of those metals.

Analysis of mosses and topsoils for detecting sources of heavy metal pollution: multivariate and enrichment factor analysis

In order to assess the contribution of emission sources to the pollution of areas remote from industrial facilities, a combined approach of enrichment factor analysis and multivariate statistics was used for detecting the origin of heavy metal pollution in the Zlatibor ecosystem, in Serbia. Samples of moss (Pleurozium schreberi, Hylocomium splendens, Scleropodium purum, Hypnum cupressiforme and Thuidum delicatulum) and of topsoil (0-5 cm) were collected in 2005. The concentrations of seven heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) were determined in moss and soil samples by atomic absorption spectrometry. The results obtained by enrichment factor analysis and two multivariate statistical methods, principal component analysis and cluster analysis, enabled discrimination of the lithologic and anthropogenic sources of heavy metals in the mosses. Enrichment factors, calculated to evaluate the contribution to the metal content in moss from anthropogenic sources, revealed pollution of the investigated area by Cd and Pb, originating from long-range transport and fossil fuel burning.

Inorganic Pollution in PM10 Particles Collected Over Three French Sites Under Various Influences: Rural Conditions, Traffic and Industry

PM10 particles were collected over three sites in France. The first one, Montagney was a rural site that was considered as a reference site. The second site Saclay, close to a highway, was used to study the influence of the traffic. The third site was Dunkerque, one of the most industrial areas in France for the production of steel, aluminium and petroleum refinement. More than 50 element concentrations were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. Comparisons between Saclay and Montagney shown that some elements, considered as crustal elements had similar concentration variations and weak (close to 1) enrichment factors. Elements with enrichment factors higher than 10 shown in Montagney correlated variations, with a Winter maximum, that should be due to Winter heating sources. Over Saclay, most of elements with high enrichment factors were attributed to the dense traffic of the highway. This is particularly true for Mn, Fe, Zn, Ba, Sb, Cu. Some additional elements correlated also, without a particular origin that can be ascertained. In Dunkerque, the most important industry is steel production. Correlation studies shown that Tl, Cs, Ba, Ag, Cu, Rb, Se, Mn, Pb concentration variations were closely associated to the Fe concentration variations. The second polluting industry is aluminium production. Correlation studies allowed to associate Ni, Y, Co, V, rare earth elements, Ti, Sr, Th, U, Ca, Sc, concentration variations to the aluminium concentration variations. A third important industry is petroleum refinement. The only element observed here and that is suspected to be emitted more specifically is La, used in cracking processes. An important enrichment of La with respect to Ce is observed. A strong decrease of the ratio Cl/Na was observed over the three sites, between the beginning of the experiment in Autumn 2005, and its end in Spring 2006. This was attributed to a release of gaseous HCl, produced by acidification of aerosols by other pollutants like NO x and SO x , that should have been oxidized to NO2 and SO3, then dissolved in the aerosols. The effects responsible for the loss of Cl, represents a large surface and long-term pollution event over the North of France. This work allowed a characterization of the heavy metal concentrations of the aerosol that will sustain results published in a companion paper, and that concerned the bio-accumulation of metals by Scleropodium purum, simultaneously exposed in the same sites.

Heavy Metal and Radioactivity Concentrations in Soil and Moss Samples from Istanbul, Turkey

Concentrations of Cd, Cu, Co, Cr, Fe, Ni and Zn in the moss ( Hypnum cupressiforme and Scleropodium purum) and topsoil (0-5 cm) samples collected from Istanbul were analysed to estimate heavy metal deposition. The activity concentrations of gamma emitting radionuclides ( 137 Cs, 40 K, 238 U, 232 Th), organic matter contents and pH values of the topsoil samples were also measured. The trace element and radionuclide levels were compared with those found in the samples from other locations of Turkey and different countries.

Historical alteration in the nitrogen concentration and 15N natural abundance of mosses in Germany: Indication for regionally varying changes in atmospheric nitrogen deposition within the last 140 years

Historical alterations of nitrogen deposition in the western part of Germany were investigated by comparing nitrogen concentrations and 15N natural abundance of historical and recent samples of the two pleurocarpous mosses Pleurozium schreberi and Scleropodium purum. Pooling of the data revealed only slight tissue N increases over the past 140 years which were significant nevertheless. At closer examination on the single site level historical increases of N concentrations were found particularly for some sites in regions where agricultural activities were considerably intensified during the second half of the 20th century. The comparison of δ 15N values showed a strong depletion of 15N natural abundance in areas currently heavily influenced by livestock management. This indicates an increased impact of NH y compounds. However, the almost unchanged δ 15N values in some low mountain range areas with only moderate intensification of agriculture point to a more or less constant ratio of NH y /NO x input over time. Significant correlations of both tissue N concentrations and 15N natural abundance between the two species justify the assumption that they use the same nitrogen source, probably atmospheric deposition.

Nitrogen accumulation by six pleurocarpous moss species and their suitability for monitoring nitrogen deposition

This study reports on a fertilization experiment with the six pleurocarpous moss species Brachythecium rutabulum, Hylocomium splendens, Pleurozium schreberi, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, R. triquetrus and Scleropodium purum. The intention was to find one or more species which clearly reflected the simulated N deposition in its tissue N contents and which could therefore be regarded as valuable for an N-monitoring programme in central Europe. The mosses were fertilized over a period of 12 months with nitrogen in the form of three different compounds. The additional nitrogen was supplied at 40 kg N ha−1 year−1 in all treatments. Significant increases of tissue N content were recorded for all species with the exception of Hylocomium splendens. The curves of N accumulation distinctly differed with time among the six species. Fertilization with nitrate led to smaller increases of tissue N than solutions containing ammonium. For most of the species, at least, a trend towards N saturation was observed over the period of investigation. Some species showed injury which was probably due to toxic effects of the ammonium ion. In the unfertilized plots, seasonal variations of tissue N content were recorded. The results show that Pleurozium schreberi and Scleropodium purum, in particular, might be suitable species for monitoring N-deposition in central Europe.

Definition and Number of Subsamples for Using Mosses as Biomonitors of Airborne Trace Elements

We collected 50 subsamples of the moss Scleropodium purum from each of three sampling sites and determined the concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, K, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn in each subsample. We then calculated the number of subsamples required to determine significant differences in the mean concentrations of two sampling sites. We found that to differentiate between an uncontaminated sampling site and another, slightly contaminated site, 30 subsamples are required from each. On the basis of these results and because, to date, there are no studies that justify the application of the previously proposed recommendations, studies of local variability in other areas, and under different conditions, with other contaminants and moss species must be undertaken. For posterior comparison of data on variability as well as application of the recommendations associated with such results, the general use of a single definition of a subsample is required. We propose the following definition of a subsample: "1 g dry weight (approx.), collected within a 25-cm radius of a node, selected at random from a 1 x 1-m sampling grid placed in a sampling site."

Nitrogen content, 15N natural abundance and biomass of the two pleurocarpous mosses Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt. and Scleropodium purum (Hedw.) Limpr. in relation to atmospheric nitrogen deposition

The suitability of the two pleurocarpous mosses Pleurozium schreberi and Scleropodium purum for assessing spatial variation in nitrogen deposition was investigated. Sampling was carried out at eight sites in the western part of Germany with bulk deposition rates ranging between 6.5 and 18.5 kg N ha −1 yr −1. In addition to the effect of deposition on the nitrogen content of the two species, its influence on 15N natural abundance ( δ 15N values) and on productivity was examined. Annual increases of the mosses were used for all analyses. Significant relationships between bulk N deposition and nitrogen content were obtained for both species; δ 15N-values reflected the ratio of NH 4-N to NO 3-N in deposition. A negative effect of nitrogen input on productivity, i.e. decreasing biomass per area with increasing N deposition due to a reduction of stem density, was particularly evident with P. schreberi. Monitoring of N deposition by means of mosses is considered an important supplement to existing monitoring programs. It makes possible an improved spatial resolution, and thus those areas that receive high loads of nitrogen are more easily discernible.

Natural re-colonization of experimental gaps by terricolous bryophytes in Central European pine forests

In northeastern German pine forests we studied re-colonization patterns of experimental gaps by four dominant bryophyte species (Dicranum scoparium, Hypnum jutlandicum, Pleurozium schreberi and Scleropodium purum) over three years. Both vegetation and litter layer were removed on 1 m(2) plots within +/- pure colonies of the experimental species, while the humus layer was left intact. All plots were vegetatively re-colonized by the species which was dominant before gap creation. Three mechanisms of re-colonization occurred and interacted: (1) advance of surrounding shoots from the edge into the gaps by clonal growth, (2) dispersal of detached single shoots as well as larger clumps of multiple shoots into the plots, resulting in new colonies by continuing growth, and (3) regeneration from a soil diaspore bank consisting of seemingly dead stem fragments in the humus layer of the gaps. Scleropodium purum, which occurs at locations with good water and nutrient supply, displayed the most rapid growth. Here, some plots were completely recovered after three years. Despite lower rates of advance from the edge, colonization of Hypnum jutlandicum was faster than and of Dicranum scoparium as fast than that of Pleurozium schreberi because of a larger diaspore bank. Thus, each bryophyte species was characterized by a different habitat occupation strategy. The different clonal colonization strategies account for the high competitive capacity and regeneration potential of the investigated bryophyte species in pine forests despite of the lack of generative reproduction. Experimental disturbance resulted in a temporary increase of bryophyte diversity, because short-lived Colonists with a low competitive capacity colonized the gaps, before they will be overgrown by the dominant Perennials

Biomonitoring of Element Deposition Using Mosses in the 2000 French Survey: Identifying Sources and Spatial Trends

In the year 2000, the elemental composition of mosses collected from 528 French sites has been studied as part of the 2000 European Moss Survey. Five moss species were collected: Scleropodium purum (56%), Pleurozium schreberi (18%), Hypnum cupressiforme (18%), Thuidium tamariscinum (4.5%.) and Hylocomium splendens (3.5%). Mosses were kept whole for analysis, including green and brownish parts. Summary statistics on element concentrations (Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sr, V and Zn), and comparisons made with data from the other 27 participating European countries are shown here. The sources of these elements are identified using calculations of enrichment factors (EF) and principal component analysis (PCA). Finally, the spatial distribution in France of 10 elements is also shown, using maps underscoring areas showing highest concentration levels for each metal.

Biological and Temporal Variations of Trace Element Concentrations in the Moss Species Scleropodium purum (Hedw.) Limpr.

Over a period of one year, the moss Scleropodium purum was sampled every two weeks in a French rural area to determine the levels of Li, Na, Al, Si, P, Ca, V, Mn, Fe, Zn, Ba, Hg, and Pb. The element distribution in the moss shoot was studied throughout the year. An apical bioconcentration was discovered for Na, P, Ca, Mn, and Zn, whereas higher levels were found in the basal fraction for Li, Al, Si, V, Fe, Ba, Hg, and Pb. A significant variation of element concentrations was observed during the sampling period. In the apical part Li, Al, Si, V, Fe, Ba, and Hg show maximum levels in the summer and minimum in the autumn. The same pattern was found with Ca and Mn in the whole plant, whereas Na showed opposite fluctuations.

Identification of pollution sources by means of moss bags

Moss bags containing Scleropodium purum were exposed for 30 days in an industrial area in which a chlor-alkali plant (CAP) and a concrete factory (CF) are located close to one another (121 m). Following the exposure, the transplanted mosses were analyzed to determine levels of Hg, Zn, Ni, and Cr. The enrichment factors (EFs) of the metals (final concentration/initial concentration) were calculated; the mean values obtained were 26.4 for Hg, 6.6 for Zn, 1.07 for Ni, and 1.0 for Cr. Dispersion of Cr and Ni was closely related, probably because they were dispersed together on the same particle. The spatial structure of the data was examined, and significant fits to the semivariograms were found for Hg, Zn, and Cr, using kriging to interpolate the data. Using this technique, it was possible to estimate where the maximum concentrations of elements occurred, allowing us to distinguish from which focal point they were emitted: Hg from the CAP, and Zn and Cr from the CF. The combined use of moss bags and geostatistical techniques allowed characterization of the emissions and identification of focal points of contamination in the study area.

Active biomonitoring of element uptake with terrestrial mosses: a comparison of bulk and dry deposition

Moss ( Scleropodium purum) transplants were used to study bioconcentration originating from dry and bulk deposition, by measuring the tissue contents of Al, As, Ca, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn. Furthermore, a laboratory experiment was carried out to determine the sequence of maximum concentration and affinity of Al, Cu, Fe, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn, in S. purum. We found that in many of the transplants, for the same period of exposure, higher levels of metals were accumulated via dry deposition than via bulk deposition. This result may be explained by the simple washing action of the rain on the surface of the moss, and by the existence of processes that provoke the loss of some of the accumulated elements: intercationic displacement and leaching caused by acid precipitation. Modelling of the final bioconcentration observed, as a balance of inputs and outputs of elements, revealed that this terrestrial moss does not integrate, but rather concentrates atmospheric deposition, and there exists a state of unstable equilibrium between inputs and outputs of elements, a state that is determined by the characteristics of the surrounding environment. On the basis of the results obtained in this study, we can conclude that at present, it is not possible to extrapolate the calibrations between the concentrations of elements accumulated in a certain species of moss to values of atmospheric deposition (bulk deposition) from one place to another with different environmental conditions.

Mosses and aspect; why is Scleropodium purum abundant on the north-facing sides of ant-hills?

Mosses and aspect; why is Scleropodium purum abundant on the north-facing sides of ant-hills?

Annual variability in heavy-metal bioconcentration in moss: sampling protocol optimization

The moss Scleropodium purum was sampled at four sampling stations, every 28 days over a period of three and a half years, and the tissue contents of Al, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn, Fe, Na, Hg and Zn were determined in each of the samples. Autocorrelograms were used to study possible seasonal patterns of accumulation. A cyclic pattern of accumulation, repeated every 12 months, was revealed for Cu, K, Mg and Na, with maximum levels in winter and minimum levels in summer. The seasonal pattern of accumulation may be explained by the effect produced by desiccation of the moss during the summer months. To find the sampling design that best represents the intra-annual variability in the tissue contents of heavy metals, we proposed a series of sampling designs that combined different numbers of samplings and lag between samplings. These were then applied to the temporal series obtained and the one that best reflected the annual bioconcentration at a sampling station was selected. The proposed sampling design, recommended for application in future studies of atmospheric biomonitoring with terrestrial mosses, consists of two samplings separated by 6–7 months.

The use of native mosses to monitor fluorine levels—and associated temporal variations—in the vicinity of an aluminium smelter

This paper describes an assessment of environmental exposure to fluorine in the surroundings of an aluminium smelter, carried out by measuring fluorine concentrations in the tissues of mosses growing in the area. Forty-two samples were collected from within a 3300 m of radius of the smelter on two different occasions. Samples of either Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. or Scleropodium purum (Hedw.) Limpr. were collected at each point, depending on which was the most abundant. The fluorine contents in the samples varied from <10 μg g−1 F (the limit of quantification of the analytical technique used) to 154 μg g−1 F. To analyse the spatial pattern of fluorine accumulation in the mosses, response surfaces were adjusted to the data using the geographic coordinates of the sampling points as independent variables. Details are given of the process used to select the best surface from among the many candidates available. The graphical and mathematical analyses of the surfaces allowed description of the effect of the distance from the smelter on fluorine concentration and of the spatial anisotropy, i.e. the existence of directions along which fluorine deposition is enhanced. Fluorine concentration decreased exponentially over all the study area, therefore the impact of the smelter decreased greatly within a short distance. The surfaces also allowed detection of differences between sampling times, in terms of the prevailing direction of pollutant movement, as well as differences in the rates of decrease in concentration with distance from the plant. Finally, it is discussed how the particular characteristics of the source of the pollutant affect its dispersal, and how some sampling difficulties encountered affected the results obtained.