Effects of zinc and copper on development and survival of the moss Atrichum undulatum in controlled conditions

Abstract

We studied the effects of zinc and copper on gametophyte development and survival of the moss Atrichum undulatum in axenic and controlled conditions. Various salts of these two essential elements were applied in different ways in order to document effects dependent ion binding of zinc and copper to this moss. It can be concluded that zinc is less toxic than copper in higher concentrations. Survival is better and the recovery rate faster after exposure to zinc. Both metals are more harmful to the moss when applied in an aqueous solution.

Keywords

• bryophytes
• essential elements
• growth
• harmfulness
• Atrichum undulatum