Analysis of Lead Uptake by Dicranum scoparium from Contaminated Soil Solutions

Abstract

Heavy metals, such as lead, are toxic pollutants that can affect the health of ecosystems.These pollutants can accumulate on impervious surfaces in urban areas and flow into natural habitats during storms. Bioremediation facilities, which mimic natural land filtration, can improve watershed quality in contaminated areas. In this study, we assessed the ability of moss to serve as a bioremediation tool by absorbing and sequestering lead. We collected samples of moss (​Dicranum scoparium) ​and made plugs with layers of rock, soil, and moss to recreate the natural environment. Each moss plug was saturated with one of three treatments: distilled water, stormwater, and a lead solution. Samples were collected four times over the course of one week and were analyzed for changes in lead concentrations. We found that our samples of ​Dicranum scoparium​ contained high concentrations of lead (upwards of 2,000 ppb) prior to any experimental intervention. Consequently, the contaminated solutions with just 15 ppb of lead had a negligible effect on the lead content of the moss over time. Based on our findings, moss does have the ability to absorb lead from the environment, and therefore it may be useful as a bioremediation tool.