Metal and proton adsorption capacities of natural and cloned Sphagnum mosses

05.09.2015

Gonzalez AG, Pokrovsky OS, Beike AK, Reski R, Di Palma A, Adamo P, Giordano S, Angel Fernandez J.

J Colloid Interface Sci. 2015;461:326-334.

J Colloid Interface Sci.            online article

Mosses, especially peat mosses, are commonly used as biomonitors for air pollution. Towards a standardization of air quality monitoring, Sphagnum palustre was cultivated under sterile in vitro-conditions. The clones exhibit acid-base properties similar to naturally-grown plants, whereas zinc adsorption is two-fold higher. Cu2+ adsorption is more efficient in peat mosses from nature. As in vitro-cultivated Sphagnum tissue has lower metal pollutant concentrations, it is suitable for biomonitoring.