Mythbusters: Unravelling the pollutant uptake processes in mosses for air quality biomonitoring

Moss biomass as effective biosorbents for heavy metals in contaminated water

“…The intricate network of leaves, stems, and rhizoids in mosses provides an extensive interface for contact with aqueous solutions, facilitating increased opportunities for the adsorption of metal ions. This enhanced surface area is pivotal in maximising the efficiency of mosses as biosorbents [ 23 ] in capturing and immobilising heavy metals from contaminated water sources. Furthermore, the abundant functional groups present in moss tissues play a crucial role in their metal-binding capabilities [ 23 ].…”

“…This enhanced surface area is pivotal in maximising the efficiency of mosses as biosorbents [ 23 ] in capturing and immobilising heavy metals from contaminated water sources. Furthermore, the abundant functional groups present in moss tissues play a crucial role in their metal-binding capabilities [ 23 ]. The functional groups on the surfaces of mosses possess a strong affinity for metal ions, allowing for the complexation and chelation of heavy metals [ 24 ].…”

Is a Combination of Metals More Toxic to Mosses Than a Single Metal?

“…Furthermore, they can absorb metal ions very well via the entire surface [9] and accumulate them via ion exchange sites [8,10]. In most species, the leaflets consist of a single cell layer [11] and the cuticle differs from spermatophytes in structure, chemical composition, and thickness [12]. Mosses also quickly lose water and they are therefore heavily dependent on rainfall and deposits providing them with sufficient nutrients but also potentially harmful substances.…”