Effect of heavy metals on chlorophyll and biochemical composition of some Indian Mosses

Abstract

A comparative study of phytochemical analysis in four species of bryophytes; two acrocarpous mosses (Mnium cuspidatum and Ceratodon sterocarpus) and two pleurocarpous mosses (Brachythecium rutabulum and Thuidium glaucinum) when irrigated with various concentrations of some heavy metals (Cu, Ni, Zn and Cd) was done. It was found that Cadmium had most adverse effect on biochemical contents followed by Ni, Cu and Zn. This is recommended that acrocarpous mosses are more tolerant to the tested heavy metals than pleurocarpous mosses, which further support that Mnium cuspidatum is more efficient for heavy metals accumulation and can be used as bio accumulator. Hence, this study will provide baseline information for adequate pollution monitoring and also test the effectiveness of the use selected texa for pollution monitoring. newline