The use of Fontinalis antipyretica L. ex Hedw. as a bioindicator for heavy metals .2. Heavy metal accumulation and physiological reaction of Fontinalis antipyretica L. ex Hedw. in active biomonitoring in the River Elbe

The aquatic moss Fontinalis antipyretica was studied for its ability to accumulate heavy metals. In an exposure test in the River Elbe it was possible to detect an accumulation of heavy metals at the measuring sites of the water monitoring network of the state of Saxony-Anhalt (Germany). A correlation between these results and the degrees of heavy-metal pollution in the water was only established for Zn and Cd. As a physiological parameter the induction of thiol-containing peptides such as phytochelatins and glutathione under these conditions was investigated. A positive correlation was found between phytochelatin levels and Cd levels in the mass samples. The suitability of this biochemical response to stress as a biomarker for heavy-metal pollution at field locations is discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.