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Which PCBs are found in high concentrations in moss? 


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Dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) such as PCB-118 and PCB-126 are found in high concentrations in moss samples. In the study conducted in Fildes Peninsula, Antarctica, PCB-118 was a significant contributor to the total PCB concentration in both soil and moss samples, ranging from 36.0% to 69.6% in soil and 17.2% to 43.4% in moss. PCB-126 was identified as the largest contributor to the toxic equivalent (TEQ) of PCBs in both soil and moss samples, with a mean value of 81.1% in soil and 91.4% in moss. These findings highlight the presence of dioxin-like PCBs, particularly PCB-118 and PCB-126, in elevated levels in moss samples, indicating atmospheric deposition as a significant source of these contaminants.

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Hexachlorobenzene, polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), and DDTs are found in high concentrations in mosses of the Andean mountains, with PCBs showing significant linear dependence on temperature.
The study detected high concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) near a highway in moss Pleurozium schreberi, focusing on the 15 most important EPA PCBs.
PCB congeners found in high concentrations in moss H. cupressiforme across Serbia include levels ranging from 0.4325 to 15.8013 ng g−1, as per the study.
PCB-126 is found in high concentrations in moss, contributing 91.4% to the Σ12PCBs toxic equivalent, with levels ranging from 2.90×10−3 to 1.19 pg/g.
PCDD/F, PAH, HBCD, PBDE, and certain PCBs were frequently observed in moss samples, with HBCD concentrations notably declining by up to a factor of 9.

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Do fungi symbiose with mosses?5 answersFungi do symbiose with mosses, forming intricate associations that play crucial roles in various ecosystems. Mosses, such as Dicranum scoparium, host endophytic fungi that exhibit trophic lability, potentially transitioning from endophytism to saprotrophism. Additionally, liverworts and hornworts, among bryophytes, consistently engage in endophytic associations with fungi, indicating a long-standing relationship between these plant groups and fungi. In karst rocky desertification areas, bryophytes, including mosses, coexist with fungi to form bryophyte crusts, influencing microbial communities and aiding in ecosystem restoration. Furthermore, endolichenic fungi, which resemble fungal endophytes, have been found to colonize lichens and plants, showcasing the adaptability and flexibility of these symbiotic relationships.
What nutrients to mosses need?5 answersMosses require nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) as essential nutrients for their growth and development. They are efficient in taking up nutrients from the environment, including throughfall and deposition. Mosses can accumulate high levels of N, P, and K in their tissues, especially in forests with dense shrubs. The nutrient content in mosses can vary depending on the water availability in their habitats, with mosses from hydric habitats having higher nutrient contents. Mosses also have the ability to translocate and redistribute nutrients internally, which allows them to utilize intermittent nutrient supplies and support their growth. Overall, mosses play a significant role in nutrient cycling and can act as important nutrient pools in ecosystems.
How can peat moss be used as a bio-mat to absorb oil spills?5 answersPeat moss can be used as a bio-mat to absorb oil spills due to its high oil sorption capacity, cost-effectiveness, and biodegradability. Peat moss has a high porosity and large surface area, which make it an efficient natural sorbent material for cleaning up oil spills. It has been found that peat-derived biochar (PB) can be used as a bio-sorbent for the sorption and removal of crude oil spills from synthetic seawater. Peat has advantages such as low cost, biodegradability, and relatively high parameters of specific surface area and porosity, making it a prospective material for oil sorption. However, the degree of decomposition of peat affects its oil sorption capacity, with less decomposed peat being more effective. Overall, peat moss shows promise as a bio-mat for absorbing oil spills due to its natural sorption properties and environmentally friendly characteristics.
What are the benefits of using peat moss in bio mats?5 answersPeat moss has several benefits when used in bio mats. It has good thermal conductivity and mechanical stability, making it comparable to other insulation materials. Peat moss also has high water adsorption ability, which is useful for cavity insulation purposes. Additionally, peat moss has antibacterial and preservative properties, making it suitable for various value-added products. Peat moss-derived biochars produced at high pyrolytic temperatures have a high sorption capacity for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them effective in removing VOCs from contaminated groundwater. Furthermore, pre-treated peat moss enhances the ability of a sulfate-reducing microbial consortium to remove chromium and lead from solution, making it a valuable natural adsorbent for metal ion removal. Overall, peat moss offers advantages such as thermal insulation, water adsorption, antibacterial properties, and metal ion removal capabilities when used in bio mats.
What is the absorptive capacity of peat moss (Sphagnum) for oil spills?5 answersThe absorptive capacity of peat moss (Sphagnum) for oil spills has been studied in several research papers. Peat moss has been found to have a high oil sorption capacity, with a maximum absorption capacity of 22 times its self-weight. The sorption capacity of peat moss for crude oil has been reported to be 11.25 g of crude oil per gram of peat sorbent. Peat moss has also been found to have a high oil absorption capacity due to its high porosity and large surface area. The hydrophobic nature of peat moss has been demonstrated by a contact angle of 102°. Peat moss has been characterized to have distinct peaks indicating the presence of hydroxylic, phenolic, and carboxylic groups, making it a good source for bio-oil feedstock. Overall, peat moss shows promise as an efficient natural sorbent material for cleaning up oil spills.
What are the responses of mosses to salinity?5 answersMosses show various responses to salinity stress. Different species of mosses exhibit different patterns of response to salt stress, with some species showing tolerance to salt stress while others exhibit growth retardation or even replacement by more resilient species. The presence of phenolic compounds is documented in mosses exposed to salt stress, with p-coumaric acid being a common phenolic involved in the antioxidative response and salt-stress tolerance. Mosses also exhibit changes in carbohydrate metabolism under salt stress, with an increase in the concentration of soluble carbohydrates and sucrose dominating the pool of soluble carbohydrates. Additionally, mosses have been found to have a high constitutive pool of soluble carbohydrates and antioxidant status, as well as increased activity of enzymes involved in their metabolism, which contribute to their resistance to salt stress. Overall, mosses show varying degrees of tolerance and adaptation to salt stress, with different species exhibiting different mechanisms of response.

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