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Sphagnum palustre L. is a Chinese herbal medicine with a long history, however, few studies have been performed on its chemical composition and active effects. In this study, we investigated the composition and antibacterial and antioxidant capacities of extracts obtained from Sphagnum palustre L. phytosomes extracted with conventional solvents (water, methanol, and ethanol) and two different hydrogen bond donors (citric acid and 1,2-propanediol) modified with choline chloride-type deep eutectic solvents (DESs). The results show that Sphagnum palustre extracts contained 253 compounds, including citric acid, ethyl maltol, and thymol. The highest total phenolic content (TPC) was obtained with a DES extraction method combining 1,2-propanediol and choline chloride (39.02 ± 7.08 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dried weight (DW). This shows the composition of Sphagnum palustre as a natural product and the application of DESs in the extraction of active ingredients, demonstrating the potential of peat moss extracts in cosmetics and health products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing emissions of industrial production and transportation have resulted in serious atmospheric heavy-metal pollution, posing threats to the health of urban residents. In this paper, the bryophyte is recommended to monitor the pollution, which features wide distribution, low cost, and being able to get intuitive results. Thus, a kind of moss (Sphagnum palustre) bag was applied to monitoring the concentrations of atmospheric heavy metal (incl. Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn) in Guangzhou City, and accordingly the pollution degree and health risks were evaluated. The results obtained from the monitoring showed that in comparison with the pre-exposure to the atmospheric heavy metal pollution, the post-exposure geometric mean values of concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn contained in the mosses were 1.2, 2.3, 1.4 and 2.3 times higher than, respectively, however Cr concentration decreased slightly (0.9 times); and in general, the geometric mean values of concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were comparatively high in industrial areas, while in commercial areas, the concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn were found to be higher than the scenic and residential areas. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) revealed that industrial activities and traffic emission were the main sources of atmospheric heavy metal contamination of Guangzhou City. Following the heavy metal pollution status-quo investigation with moss, four functional areas were assessed using the contamination factor, which indicated that in the monitoring sites showing heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn) pollution was high/very-high, the emissions mainly came from coal combustion, industrial metal production and processing activities, while those showing moderate (Cu, Zn) pollution, the pollutants came from traffic sources, and the monitoring sites where heavy metal contamination level was low, were utterly distant from industrial emission sources and traffic pollution sources. In conclusion, the moss bag (Sphagnum palustre) is rather adaptive to monitoring atmospheric heavy metal contamination in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar‐driven interfacial evaporation systems have been considered to achieve broad application prospects in the field of cogeneration of steam and electricity. However, the electricity generated is often independent of the photothermal system, hindering their integration. Compared with traditional materials such as metals and semiconductors, the application of biomass materials can solve the problems of high cost and environmental pollution in the expansion and relevance of interfacial evaporation technology. Herein, the solar evaporator composed of carbonized sphagnum palustre with cellulose fabric (CSPF) is fabricated for simultaneous steam production and power generation. Additionally, a device consisting of the CSPF and other accessories such as heating wires is designed to enhance steam production by self‐driven electrothermal heating. The self‐driven solar evaporator endows enhanced evaporation rates to 2.12 kg m−2 h−1 under electrothermal effect and the high electrical energy outputs of 520 mV. The solar evaporator has good salt tolerance and excellent cycle stability, maintaining a high evaporation rate in high‐salt solutions and after 24 cycles of testing. The outdoor evaporation tests reveal the encouraging performance of the steam and energy generators in real environment. Such superior performance of comprehensive device has great potential for integrated and sustainable application in cogeneration systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Deciphering the relationship between microbiome of keystone species Sphagnum palustre and potential function in the Erxianyan peatland ecosystems is important in the context of global peatland degradation. We evaluated the S. palustre tank microbiome and predicted the potential ecological functions. In total, 38 phyla, 55 classes, 122 orders and 490 genera were detected. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes are the dominant endophytes in S. palustre. Core microbiomes are mainly found in 7 phyla, 9 classes, 15 orders, 22 families and 42 genera. Functions predictive of microbial communities are involved in nitrogen fixation, carbon cycle, nitrate metabolism, sulfate respiration and chitinolysis, which may enable the Sphagnum to adapt to harsh environmental conditions. This study provides new insights into the relationship between Sphagnum-associated microbiomes and their potential ecological functions in subalpine peatlands. Sphagnum is a fundamental ecosystem of engineers, including more than 300 species around the world. These species host diverse microbes, either endosymbiotic or ectosymbiotic, and are key to carbon sequestration in peatland ecosystems. However, the linkages between different types of Sphagnum and the diversity and ecological functions of Sphagnum-associated microbiomes are poorly known, and so are their joint responses to ecological functions. Here, we systematically investigated endophytes in Sphagnum palustre via next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques in the Erxianyan peatland, central China. The total bacterial microbiome was classified into 38 phyla and 55 classes, 122 orders and 490 genera. The top 8 phyla of Proteobacteria (33.69%), Firmicutes (11.94%), Bacteroidetes (9.42%), Actinobacteria (6.53%), Planctomycetes (6.37%), Gemmatimonadetes (3.05%), Acidobacteria (5.59%) and Cyanobacteria (1.71%) occupied 78.31% of total OTUs. The core microbiome of S. palustre was mainly distributed mainly in 7 phyla, 9 classes, 15 orders, 22 families and 43 known genera. There were many differences in core microbiomes compared to those in the common higher plants. We further demonstrate that the abundant functional groups have a substantial potential for nitrogen fixation, carbon cycle, nitrate metabolism, sulfate respiration and chitinolysis. These results indicate that potential ecological function of Sphagnum palustre in peatlands is partially rooted in its microbiomes, and that incorporating into functional groups of Sphagnum-associated microbiomes can promote mechanistic understanding of Sphagnum ecology in subalpine peatlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The provision of raw material is an important ecosystem service provided by peatlands. Using materials produced on re-established peatland sites can help to increase the interest of stakeholders in expediting further restoration measures. Promising possibilities include paludiculture and Sphagnum farming, which offer new perspectives for exploring renewable alternatives to peat as constituents of growing media. Therefore, gaining knowledge about processing and physical properties of the material becomes increasingly necessary. The hydro-physical properties of harvested and processed Sphagnum palustre L. biomass can compete with those of peat and coir, which are materials traditionally used in the horticultural industry. Even a partial substitution of peat with Sphagnum biomass increased maximum water-holding capacities and plant available water contents of mixtures while increasing wettability and hydration efficiency.

Key message: The homologs of VASCULAR RELATED NAC-DOMAIN in the peat moss Sphagnum palustre were identified and these transcriptional activity as the VNS family was conserved. In angiosperms, xylem vessel element differentiation is governed by the master regulators VASCULAR RELATED NAC-DOMAIN6 (VND6) and VND7, encoding plant-specific NAC transcription factors. Although vessel elements have not been found in bryophytes, differentiation of the water-conducting hydroid cells in the moss Physcomitrella patens is regulated by VND homologs termed VND-NST-SOMBRERO (VNS) genes. VNS genes are conserved in the land plant lineage, but their functions have not been elucidated outside of angiosperms and P. patens. The peat moss Sphagnum palustre, of class Sphagnopsida in the phylum Bryophyta, does not have hydroids and instead uses hyaline cells with thickened, helical-patterned cell walls and pores to store water in the leaves. Here, we performed whole-transcriptome analysis and de novo assembly using next generation sequencing in S. palustre, obtaining sequences for 68,305 genes. Among them, we identified seven VNS-like genes, SpVNS1-A, SpVNS1-B, SpVNS2-A, SpVNS2-B, SpVNS3-A, SpVNS3-B, and SpVNS4-A. Transient expression of these VNS-like genes, with the exception of SpVNS2-A, in Nicotiana benthamiana leaf cells resulted in ectopic thickening of secondary walls. This result suggests that the transcriptional activity observed in other VNS family members is functionally conserved in the VNS homologs of S. palustre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sphagnum biomass is commercially harvested from semi-natural and natural peatlands. In this article we analyse the effects of harvesting Sphagnum by cutting off the top parts of the plants and leaving the cut stems to regenerate. We tested regrowth of Sphagnum palustre and Sphagnum papillosum in natural peatlands with high Sphagnum productivity in Kolkheti (Georgia, Transcaucasus) using two cutting depths (5, 10 cm) and two cutting intervals (1, 2 years). In Germany we measured regrowth of S. papillosum in an experimental Sphagnum farming field 2.5 years after cutting off the top 5 cm. Regrowth of Sphagnum was similar in both regions, with new capitula attaining 80 % cover one year after cutting and similar biomass productivities (Kolkheti: S. palustre 169–329 g m-2 yr-1, S. papillosum 152–246 g m-2 yr-1; Germany: S. papillosum 249 g m 2 yr-1). In Kolkheti, regrowth was independent of cutting depth. No relationship between site conditions and biomass regrowth was identified in either Kolkheti or Germany, probably because of the overarching effect of favourable hydrological conditions. This study shows that cutting is an appropriate method for harvesting Sphagnum and allows repeated harvests with fast Sphagnum regrowth. For S. palustre, it may even be possible to harvest annually without reducing yields.

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The provision of raw material is an important ecosystem service provided by peatlands. Using materials produced on re-established peatland sites can help to increase the interest of stakeholders in expediting further restoration measures. Promising possibilities include paludiculture and Sphagnum farming, which offer new perspectives for exploring renewable alternatives to peat as constituents of growing media. Therefore, gaining knowledge about processing and physical properties of the material becomes increasingly necessary. The hydro-physical properties of harvested and processed Sphagnum palustre L. biomass can compete with those of peat and coir, which are materials traditionally used in the horticultural industry. Even a partial substitution of peat with Sphagnum biomass increased maximum water-holding capacities and plant available water contents of mixtures while increasing wettability and hydration efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To establish rapid and stable Sphagnum growth, capitulum culture of a selected strain of S. palustre was carried out using a floating culture method. Four planting treatments were tested at mountain and urban sites in Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu Island, south-west Japan. Capitula were planted in colonies of different sizes on 30 cm square floating rafts, but with strict control of the number (75–77) of capitula per raft. The initial cover of live green Sphagnum ranged from 15 to 20 %. Growth of the colonies was followed throughout the growing season (April to November) of 2008. After three months, green coverage rates reached 40–50 % in all planting treatments. At the end of the growing season, the highest Sphagnum cover (almost 90 % at the urban site) was recorded in the planting treatment with eleven re-introduced colonies of seven capitula (‘11×7cap’), while the highest capitulum number and biomass (dry weight) gain occurred in the ‘4×19cap’ planting treatment. Average stem elongation ranged from 5 cm to 7 cm in the ‘77×1cap’ and ‘4×19cap’planting treatments, respectively, indicating that the larger sized colony grew longer stems. However, contrary to expectation, the ‘4×19cap’planting treatment - which had the largest colony size - did not deliver the highest number of newly formed side shoots.

Sphagnum wetlands in subtropical high-mountain regions have been severely destroyed by human activities, necessitating restoration efforts. We studied the effects of substrate and planting method on Sphagnum palustre L. growth and the underlying mechanisms to determine the optimal conditions for S. palustre restoration. S. palustre collected from natural wetlands was grown on nine substrates and with four planting methods in a greenhouse. The results show that S. palustre grew best in mountain yellow-brown soil without added peat or river sand and when planted as intact plants. Substrate pH and P content and capitula P content negatively correlated with S. palustre productivity, while initial biomass of S. palustre at planting positively correlated with productivity. S. palustre restoration on local mountain soil in subtropical high-mountain regions is practical, which may provide a new perspective for restoring peatlands. Traditional restoration method using the 10 cm upper parts of S. palustre as transplanted materials does not destroy the source S. palustre populations in habitats where plants are collected. However, we argue that a planting method using only capitula (top 1–2 cm) may be a better choice for S. palustre restoration, due to the similar productivity but less impact to source S. palustre populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Human disturbance has recently led to increasingly serious destruction of Sphagnum L. wetlands in subtropical high mountains, resulting in an urgent need for wetland restoration. Methods. Through a field experiment conducted in western Hubei Province, China, the effects of four different microtopographic types [concave surface, convex surface, concave and convex surface (CC surface), and flat surface] and water table depth (0 to −30 cm) on three growth indicators (number of capitula, coverage and biomass) of Sphagnum palustre L. were examined. The objective was to identify the optimal hydrological conditions for S. palustre growth and thus facilitate its rapid recolonisation and restoration of these wetlands. Key results. The results showed that different microtopographic conditions significantly influenced S. palustre growth. Among them, S. palustre in the CC surface showed the worst growth, while no significant differences existed among the other three microtopographic types. Additionally, as the water table increased, the growth of S. palustre increased, but long-term flooding impeded growth. The water table affected S. palustre growth via effects on its tissue water content. Conclusions. Microtopographic reshaping was not essential for the success of S. palustre recolonisation, and microtopography that maintained the water table to within −10 cm of the surface without flooding were best, independent of the microtopographic types. In addition, the growth patterns of S. palustre changed with changes in the environment, which may be related to its long-term adaptation to conditions of a lower water table. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their small size, vernal pools are hotspots for biogeochemical processes and biodiversity. To better understand their functioning, we studied the influence of vegetation (Sphagnum palustre, Molinia caerulea (L.) Moench) on organic-matter (OM) decomposition in soils, during periods of drought. OM decomposition rates were quantified by using a cotton-strip assay and field mesocosms. Decomposition rates were slower in the water-logged soils because hypoxic conditions decreased microbial activity. The vegetation type is also shown here to be related to decomposition rates. Indeed, the combined effect of Molinia caerulea and Sphagnum palustre reduced them compared to the presence of Sphagnum palustre alone or bare soil. We hypothesize that M. caerulea may have negative impacts on the microorganisms through a negative priming effect or allelopathic interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Peatmoss (Sphagnum) growth has been studied widely, in particular at temperate and boreal latitudes > 45 °N, where productivity is mainly controlled by mean annual temperature and precipitation. We studied the growth of Sphagnum papillosum and S. palustre in four peatlands in the year-round warm and humid Kolkheti Lowlands (Georgia, Transcaucasus, eastern end of the Black Sea, latitude 41–42 °N). (2) Productivity, site conditions and climate in Kolkheti are included in a worldwide analysis of studies on the growth of S. papillosum to identify driving factors for its growth. (3) The productivity of S. papillosum and S. palustre under natural conditions is extraordinarily high in Kolkheti, reaching 269–548 g m-2 yr-1 and 387–788 g m-2 yr-1 (mean of various sites), respectively. Rates of increase in length are up to 30.3 cm yr-1, with the largest values for S. palustre. (4) Rate of increase in length and biomass productivity differed between years, with better growth being explained by higher number of rain days and shorter periods without precipitation. Regular rainfall is essential for continuous Sphagnum growth as low water table prevents permanent water supply by capillary rise. (5) The analysis of international studies on Sphagnum papillosum productivity confirms the decisive role of rain frequency, next to microhabitat. Productivity increases further with mean temperature during growth periods, the near-largest values being for Kolkheti. As temperature is correlated with latitude, Sphagnum productivity may increase towards the equator if the water supply is sufficient. (6) Substantial Sphagnum growth was observed during winter, confirming year-round growth in the virtual absence of frost. Growth in lawns, rain frequency and almost optimal nutrient availability (N, P, K) were the only site conditions found to explain the high rates of Sphagnum growth in Kolkheti.

In search for bioactive constituents from natural resources, the ethanol (EtOH) extract of Sphagnum palustre showed significant renoprotective effects against cisplatin-induced damage in kidney cells. Phytochemical investigation of the EtOH extract led to the identification of a new flavonoid, 6-methyl-(2R,3S)-alpinone, along with six known flavonoids, four steroids, six triperpenoids, and three fatty acids. Among them, ergosterol peroxide, (3β,22E,24S)-3-hydroxy-ergosta-5,22-dien-7-one, and betulinic acid ameliorated cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity to 80% of the control value at 125, 125 and 50 µM, respectively. Moreover, the elevated percentage of apoptotic cells by cisplatin was significantly reduced after co-treatment with the EtOH extract of S. palustre and ergosterol peroxide, (3β,22E,24S)-3-hydroxy-ergosta-5,22-dien-7-one, and betulinic acid. Upregulated phosphorylation of JNK and p38 by cisplatin treatment was markedly decreased after co-treatment with ergosterol peroxide, (3β,22E,24S)-3-hydroxy-ergosta-5,22-dien-7-one, and betulinic acid. These results show that blocking the MAPKs signalling cascade plays a critical role in mediating the renoprotective effect of S. palustre.

Mosses are well known as biomonitors of fresh water for metal pollutants, but no studies were reported so far about their ability to intercept plastic particles, although this kind of pollution has become an urgent issue worldwide. In the present work, the interaction between the moss Sphagnum palustre L. cultured in vitro and polystyrene nanoparticles (NPs) was studied for the first time in a laboratory experiment, in the view of using moss transplants for detecting microplastics in fresh water environments. The ability of S. palustre to intercept and retain polystyrene, and the effects of vitality and post-exposure washing on NP retention by moss were tested. Fluorescence microscope observations showed that polystyrene NPs were retained by moss leaves in form of small (the most abundant fraction) and large aggregates. Particle count analysis highlighted that the number of particles increased while increasing the exposure time. Moreover, moss devitalization favored NP accumulation, likely because of cell membrane damages occurred in dead moss material. Post-exposure washing induced a loss of larger aggregates, suggesting that exposure time is a key point to be carefully evaluated in field conditions. These results encourage the use of S. palustre transplants for monitoring microplastics contamination of fresh water environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transplanted mosses have been widely shown to be excellent tools for biomonitoring air pollution; however, it is not clear how the functional groups present on their surfaces affect the uptake of metal cations. In the present study, we examined differences in trace metal accumulation in two terrestrial and one aquatic moss species, and investigated whether the differences depended on their physico-chemical characteristics. In the laboratory, we determined C, N and H contents in their tissues and obtained the ATR-FTIR spectra (to identify the presence of functional groups). We also conducted surface acid-base titrations and metal adsorption assays with Cd, Cu and Pb. In the field, we exposed transplants of each species near different air-polluting industries, and determined the mosses enrichment of Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and V. Laboratory results demonstrated higher metal uptake capacity in the terrestrial mosses Sphagnum palustre and Pseudoscleropodium purum , compared to that in the aquatic moss Fontinalis antipyretica , which can be attributed to a greater abundance of acidic functional groups (i.e. negatively charged binding sites) on the surface of the terrestrial mosses. The affinity of moss for certain elements depends on the abundance and nature of surface functional groups. Accordingly, the metal concentrations generally reached higher levels in S. palustre transplants compared to the other species, except for the uptake of Hg, which was higher in F. antipyretica. However, the findings also suggest an interaction between the type of environment (terrestrial or aquatic) and the moss characteristics that may influence the abovementioned trend. Thus, irrespective of the physico-chemical characteristics, metal uptake varied depending on the environment of origin of the mosses "i.e. atmospheric or aquatic". In other words, the findings suggest that species that accumulate more metals in terrestrial environments will accumulate lower amounts of metals in aquatic environments and vice versa. [Display omitted] • S. palustre performed better as a biomonitor for atmospheric deposition of trace metals. • F. antipyretica reflects well the atmospheric deposition of Hg. • Terrestrial mosses showed higher metal uptake capacity than aquatic mosses. • Terrestrial mosses possess more proton and metal binding sites than aquatic mosses. • Moss metal accumulation varies depending on the exposure to air or aquatic pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, mosses have been used as native species or as transplants in monitoring a wide range of pollutants from inorganic (i.e. metals and metalloids) to organic contaminants (mainly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons-PAHs). To implement the use of mosses as biomonitors of PAHs, one important issue is the study of the interactions between these compounds and moss tissues. In this study we investigated the mode of phenanthrene uptake in four moss species ( Amblystegium humile , Plagiomnium affine, Hypnum cupressiforme and a clone of Sphagnum palustre ) and its movements from air to plant surface and within the biomonitors, using fluorescent and confocal microscopy. The target compound, partitioned between gas and particulate phase depending on air conditions, was selected since it is one of the most abundant PAHs released into the atmosphere. Our findings support the hypothesis that phenanthrene aggregates in particles and in this form it is chiefly intercepted and uptaken onto moss surfaces, albeit with different frequency in the four species, with S. palustre > H. cupressiforme > P. affine = A. humile . Phenanthrene enters the dead, empty hyalocysts of S. palustre . Specific surface area and composition, frequency and distribution of binding groups may also explain the different ability of phenanthrene uptake by the four moss species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Peatmoss (Sphagnum) growth has been studied widely, in particular at temperate and boreal latitudes > 45 °N, where productivity is mainly controlled by mean annual temperature and precipitation. We studied the growth of Sphagnum papillosum and S. palustre in four peatlands in the year-round warm and humid Kolkheti Lowlands (Georgia, Transcaucasus, eastern end of the Black Sea, latitude 41-42 °N). (2) Productivity, site conditions and climate in Kolkheti are included in a worldwide analysis of studies on the growth of S. papillosum to identify driving factors for its growth. (3) The productivity of S. papillosum and S. palustre under natural conditions is extraordinarily high in Kolkheti, reaching 269-548 g m-2 yr-1 and 387-788 g m-2 yr-1 (mean of various sites), respectively. Rates of increase in length are up to 30.3 cm yr-1, with the largest values for S. palustre. (4) Rate of increase in length and biomass productivity differed between years, with better growth being explained by higher number of rain days and shorter periods without precipitation. Regular rainfall is essential for continuous Sphagnum growth as low water table prevents permanent water supply by capillary rise. (5) The analysis of international studies on Sphagnum papillosum productivity confirms the decisive role of rain frequency, next to microhabitat. Productivity increases further with mean temperature during growth periods, the near-largest values being for Kolkheti. As temperature is correlated with latitude, Sphagnum productivity may increase towards the equator if the water supply is sufficient. (6) Substantial Sphagnum growth was observed during winter, confirming year-round growth in the virtual absence of frost. Growth in lawns, rain frequency and almost optimal nutrient availability (N, P, K) were the only site conditions found to explain the high rates of Sphagnum growth in Kolkheti. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A few variants of hierarchical cluster analysis (CA) as tool of assessment of multidimensional similarity in environmental dataset are compared. The dataset consisted of analytical results of determination of metals (Na, K, Ca, Sc, Fe, Co, Zn, As, Br, Rb, Mo, Sb, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Sm, Hf and Th) in ambient air dried and kept alive, by the means of hydroponics, moss baskets collected in 12 locations on the area of Tricity (Poland). The selected urban locations covered sites of various anthropogenic impact (cargo transit, heavy traffic, apartments, shipyard, etc.). Factor analysis in the variant of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is offered as a validating method for CA. The results of three scaling variants are presented: column scaling, row scaling and column scaling followed by row scaling. Moreover, the results of two linkage methods with squared Euclidean distance as the similarity measure are compared: Ward's linkage and complete linkage. The cluster significance is indicated basing on Sneath's index. Some urban pollution profiles (fertilizer plant emission, fossil fuel burning, municipal waste dump, mineral soil dust) were identified and the possibility of their application by the environmental decision makers or managers is pointed out. The complete environmental data exploration procedure is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In search for bioactive constituents from natural resources, the ethanol (EtOH) extract of Sphagnum palustre showed significant renoprotective effects against cisplatin-induced damage in kidney cells. Phytochemical investigation of the EtOH extract led to the identification of a new flavonoid, 6-methyl-(2 R ,3 S )-alpinone, along with six known flavonoids, four steroids, six triperpenoids, and three fatty acids. Among them, ergosterol peroxide, (3β,22 E ,24 S )-3-hydroxy-ergosta-5,22-dien-7-one, and betulinic acid ameliorated cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity to 80% of the control value at 125, 125 and 50 µM, respectively. Moreover, the elevated percentage of apoptotic cells by cisplatin was significantly reduced after co-treatment with the EtOH extract of S.   palustre and ergosterol peroxide, (3β,22 E ,24 S )-3-hydroxy-ergosta-5,22-dien-7-one, and betulinic acid. Upregulated phosphorylation of JNK and p38 by cisplatin treatment was markedly decreased after co-treatment with ergosterol peroxide, (3β,22 E ,24 S )-3-hydroxy-ergosta-5,22-dien-7-one, and betulinic acid. These results show that blocking the MAPKs signalling cascade plays a critical role in mediating the renoprotective effect of S.   palustre . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: •It has been proposed that long‐distance dispersal of mosses to the Hawaiian Islands rarely occurs and that the Hawaiian population of the allopolyploid peat moss Sphagnum palustre probably resulted from a single dispersal event.•Here, we used microsatellites to investigate whether the Hawaiian population of the dioicous S. palustre had a single founder and to compare its genetic diversity to that found in populations of S. palustre in other regions.•The genetic diversity of the Hawaiian population is comparable to that of larger population systems. Several lines of evidence, including a lack of sporophytes and an apparently restricted natural distribution, suggest that sexual reproduction is absent in the Hawaiian plants. In addition, all samples of Hawaiian S. palustre share a genetic trait rare in other populations. Time to most recent ancestor (TMRCA) analysis indicates that the Hawaiian population was probably founded 49–51 kyr ago.•It appears that all Hawaiian plants of S. palustre descend from a single founder via vegetative propagation. The long‐term viability of this clonal population coupled with the development of significant genetic diversity suggests that vegetative propagation in a moss does not necessarily preclude evolutionary success in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sphagnum palustre L. is one of the few Sphagnum species distributed in the warm-temperate zone. To elucidate the mechanisms that enable S. palustre to maintain its productivity under warm climatic conditions, we examined the temperature conditions and photosynthetic characteristics of this species in a lowland wetland in western Japan. Moss temperatures during the daytime were much lower than the air temperature, particularly during summer. The optimum temperature for the net photosynthetic rate was approximately 20°C, irrespective of the season, but summer and autumn samples maintained high rates at higher temperatures as well. The net photosynthetic rate at near light saturation was much higher during summer-autumn than during spring-winter. A model estimation in which net production was calculated from the photosynthetic characteristics and microclimatic data showed that both the low temperature of the moss colony and the seasonal shift in photosynthetic characteristics are among the mechanisms that enable this species to maintain its productivity under warm climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) is a sensitive analytical technique useful for performing both qualitative and quantitative multi-element analysis of major, minor, and trace elements in samples from almost every conceivable field of scientific or technical interest. The NAA method was applied to estimate the atmospheric air quality assessment based on the analytical investigation of rainwater composition in comparison to a moss biomonitoring study performed in selected urban areas of Gdansk, Poland, during the half-year of exposure. The main objectives of this project were: comparison of dry and alive moss abilities to bioaccumulate inorganic pollutants; and, detection and identification of natural and anthropogenic pollutant sources in this region. An impact of Gdansk Phosphatic Fertilizer Plant “Fosfory,” Poland, on occupational staff and citizens living near the plant has also been examined. The elements, Al, As, Au, Br, Ca, Cl, Cu, Dy, I, In, K, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, S, Sb, Sm, U, V, and Zn, have been determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) in the indoor workplace air; in urine, hair, and toenails collected from workers and persons living in a neighborhood near the plant; and from people from the control group not connected with the plant in any way. Analyses of hair and nails was performed at the Interfaculty Reactor Institute in Delft, The Neatherlands, at a 2MW swimming-pool nuclear reactor and at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, Russia. The essential differences in concentrations of elements for workers and control group were evaluated using non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-tests. Significant differences between workers/citizens of the factory neighborhood and the control group were found for some elements (i.e., Mg, Sb, S, and V), but in the base of these differences, it is hard to define if the factory impact exists. An impact of Federeal-Mogul BIMET S.A. in Gdansk, the biggest manufacturer of slide bearings in Poland, on occupational staff has been also examined. The concentrations of Cu and Pb are much higher in samples taken from workers then from the control group. These results also indicated that hair and toenail samples are useful in the evaluation of that impact. Workers of the slide bearing factory are occupationally exposed to elements, which can be harmful to their health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the bioindication of elements from Sphagnum palustre moss distributed in the Gdańsk metropolitan area in Poland. The aim of the study was to provide the cumulative attributes of transplanted Sphagnum palustre moss with differentiation into dry and living biomaterial, to identify and geographically locate types of pollution sources responsible for a structure of the monitoring data set, to visualize geographical distribution of analytes in the Gdańsk city area, and to determine the high-risk areas which can be targeted for environmental hazards and public health.

Dry and living Sphagnum palustre moss samples were compared in parallel in order to study their biocumulative capability as biomonitoring tools. The two biomonitoring forms were used and compared to evaluate advantages and disadvantages of both preparation approaches and to choose the most suitable tool. The study was performed in an urban area to identify the main pollution sources. Cluster Analysis and Principal Components Analysis were used in order to identify specific element profiles attributed to various sources impacting both dry and living plant composition. A large number of tracer elements were initially tested by multivariate statistical data treatment but it turned out that a much smaller number of them could be used in modeling. Consequently, future monitoring can be performed using fewer tracers without losing significant information. Environmetric results were compared with absolute concentration levels of the indicated tracer elements and also compared at various locations. The contribution of pollution sources to the total concentration of elements in biomonitors was determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the effects of elevated CO2 (180–200 ppmv above ambient) on growth and chemistry of three moss species ( Sphagnum palustre, S. recurvum and Polytrichum commune) in a lowland peatland in the Netherlands. Thereto, we conducted both a greenhouse experiment with both Sphagnum species and a field experiment with all three species using MiniFACE (Free Air CO2 Enrichment) technology during 3 years. The greenhouse experiment showed that Sphagnum growth was stimulated by elevated CO2 in the short term, but that in the longer term (≥1 year) growth was probably inhibited by low water tables and/or down-regulation of photosynthesis. In the field experiment, we did not find significant changes in moss abundance in response to elevated CO2, although CO2 enrichment appeared to reduce S. recurvum abundance. Both Sphagnum species showed stronger responses to spatial variation in hydrology than to increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Polytrichum was insensitive to changes in hydrology. Apart from the confounding effects of hydrology, the relative lack of growth response of the moss species may also have been due to the relatively small increase in assimilated CO2 as achieved by the experimentally added CO2. We calculated that the added CO2 contributed at most 32% to the carbon assimilation of the mosses, while our estimates based on stable C isotope data even suggest lower contributions for Sphagnum (24–27%). Chemical analyses of the mosses showed only small elevated CO2 effects on living tissue N concentration and C/N ratio of the mosses, but the C/N ratio of Polytrichum was substantially lower than those of the Sphagnum species. Continuing expansion of Polytrichum at the expense of Sphagnum could reduce the C sink function of this lowland Sphagnum peatland, and similar ones elsewhere, as litter decomposition rates would probably be enhanced. Such a reduction in sink function would be driven mostly by increased atmospheric N deposition, water table regulation for agricultural purposes and land management to preserve the early successional stage (mowing, tree and shrub removal), since these anthropogenic factors will probably exert a greater control on competition between Polytrichum and Sphagnum than increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The decomposition of E. vaginatum litter is faster than that of Sphagnum. • Warming could promote decomposition of E. vaginatum and Sphagnum litter. • N addition promoted the decomposition of Sphagnum (low N) and vascular litter. • High N concentration inhibited the decomposition of Sphagnum litter. • Microorganisms regulated warming and N addition impacts on litter decomposition. As one kind of the most important carbon (C) sink in the world, peatlands are sensitive to climate change. The decomposition of litter plays an important role in C fixation and nutrient utilization in peatlands. To reveal the mechanism of response of the litter decomposition to climate warming and the addition of nitrogen (N) in permafrost peatlands, we selected two typical plants, Eriophorum vaginatum and Sphagnum palustre , in the permafrost peatland of Da Xing'anling Mountains, China, as the research objects and conducted a 54-day litter decomposition experiment at 10 ℃ and 20 ℃. Three N addition treatments (CK: 0 mg N g−1, N1: 2.5 mg N g−1, and N2: 5 mg N g−1) were established. Our results showed that the E. vaginatum litter decomposed more quickly than that of Sphagnum , and an increase in temperature significantly promoted the litter decomposition and CO 2 emission of E. vaginatum and Sphagnum. The addition of N promoted the decomposition of E. vaginatum litter, whereas the decomposition of Sphagnum litter was promoted by the N1 treatment but was inhibited by the N2 treatment. The enzyme activity in both types of litter was inhibited with the increase in temperature. The abundances of bacteria and fungi positively correlated with the decomposition constant and mean CO 2 release rate by E. vaginatum and Sphagnum litter, indicating that the effects of temperature and N addition on the decomposition of plant litter were primarily regulated by microorganisms. This study provides a theoretical basis to understand and predict the effects of global climate change on the decomposition of plant litter in boreal peatlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]