The use of the aquatic moss Fontinalis antipyretica L. ex Hedw. as a bioindicator for heavy metals

We studied heavy metal stress responses of two Fontinalis species, F. antipyretica and F. dalecarlica, collected from two habitats in Germany and Canada. The capacities of the two species for extracellular adsorption (biosorption) and intracellular uptake (bioaccumulation) of Cadmium (Cd2+) were investigated in the laboratory. Time-dependent Cd2+ adsorption by cell wall and intracellular uptake differed significantly between the two species. These differences were related to the number of Cd2+ binding sites, resulting from differences in leaflet surface and cell wall composition. Glutathione (GSH) levels in response to Cd2+ exposure were monitored over a 10-day period. GSH synthesis differed significantly between the two species. Both Fontinalis species appear to be suitable for heavy metal biomonitoring in aquatic habitats.