Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
A Whole Cell Bioreporter Approach to Assess Transport and Bioavailability of Organic Contaminants in Water Unsaturated Systems
Published on: December 24, 2014
Optimizing Moss and Lichen Transplants as Biomonitors of Airborne Anthropogenic Microfibers
Fiore Capozzi1, Maria Cristina Sorrentino1, Angelo Granata1
1Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy.
Abstract:
Anthropogenic microfibers (mfs) are synthetic particles composed of cellulose (cotton, rayon, acetate, etc.) or petrochemical-based polymers (i.e., microplastics-MPs) that are less than 5 mm in length. The accumulation of mfs, including MPs, in the moss Hypnum cupressiforme and the lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea was compared in a transplant experiment lasting 6 weeks. We also tested the effects of the bag used for transplants on the accumulation of mfs. Anthropogenic particles trapped by both biomonitors were mostly filamentous (99% mfs), and their number was overall higher in the moss (mean ± s.d. 102 ± 24) than in the lichen (mean ± s.d. 87 ± 17), at parity of sample weight. On average, mfs found in lichen were significantly longer than those found in moss bags, suggesting that lichens are less efficient at retaining smaller mfs. Exposure without the net yielded a higher mfs number accumulation in both species, indicating that "naked" transplants provide greater sensitivity. The calculation of daily fluxes evidenced a loss of mfs in the lichen, suggesting the presence of more stable bonds between moss and mfs. Raman microspectroscopy carried out on about 100 debris confirms the anthropogenic nature of mfs, of which 20% were MPs. Overall results indicate that moss is preferable to lichen in the biomonitoring of airborne mfs especially when exposed naked.
Insights
Moss biomonitors are better than lichens for detecting airborne microfibers (mfs), especially when exposed without protective bags. Naked moss transplants show higher microfiber accumulation, indicating greater sensitivity for environmental monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biomonitoring
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Anthropogenic microfibers (mfs) are synthetic particles <5mm, including microplastics (MPs).
- Mfs accumulate in terrestrial ecosystems, posing potential environmental risks.
- Biomonitoring using plants like mosses and lichens can track airborne particle deposition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare microfiber accumulation in moss (Hypnum cupressiforme) and lichen (Pseudevernia furfuracea) via transplant experiments.
- To evaluate the impact of transplant bag material on microfiber capture efficiency.
- To assess the suitability of moss versus lichen for biomonitoring airborne microfibers.
Main Methods:
- A 6-week transplant experiment using moss and lichen bags.
- Comparison of microfiber (including MPs) accumulation in both species.
- Analysis of microfiber characteristics (length, type) using Raman microspectroscopy.
- Testing "naked" (unbagged) transplants versus bagged transplants.
Main Results:
- Moss accumulated more microfibers per sample weight than lichen.
- Microfibers in lichen were longer, suggesting lower retention of smaller particles.
- Naked transplants captured significantly more microfibers in both species.
- Lichen showed evidence of microfiber loss, indicating less stable retention compared to moss.
Conclusions:
- Moss (Hypnum cupressiforme) is a more effective biomonitor for airborne microfibers than lichen (Pseudevernia furfuracea).
- Exposing biomonitors without protective bags enhances sensitivity for detecting airborne microfibers.
- Moss demonstrates more stable retention of microfibers, making it preferable for monitoring airborne microfiber pollution.
