Evaluation of the buffer-blocking capacity of acrocarpous moss Campylopus schmidii as candidate for copper and...

This study evaluates the ability of Campylopus schmidii to inhibit the horizontal migration of copper and cadmium under simulated acid rain conditions. Experiments at varying pH levels (3.6, 4.7, and 5.6) revealed significant reductions in copper and cadmium migration rates, especially at pH 3.6, where concentrations dropped to 3.68% and 30.98% of those in exposed soil after 90 days. No leachate residue was collected from moss-covered groups, indicating effective soil and water loss control. Transcriptome analysis identified numerous differentially expressed genes under cadmium stress, highlighting enriched pathways related to cell structure, signaling, and metabolism, demonstrating Campylopus schmidii 's complex molecular mechanisms for heavy metal stress adaptation. These findings underscore the potential of Campylopus schmidii for environmental restoration and pollution control in mining areas.