Lichens and mosses as monitors of industrial activity associated with uranium mining in northern Ontario, Canada—Part 1: Field procedures, chemical analysis and interspecies comparisons

Quantification of transfer of 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs in mosses of a semi-natural ecosystem

“…Therefore, most species have different uptake mechanisms (Zechmeister et al, 2003). Interspecific differences were noted in the interception and retention of airborne particulates mainly due to physical characteristics such as surface morphology and the degree of local shelter (Boileau et al, 1982). The different growth strategies lead to various levels of saturation and adsorption at different concentration intervals (Zechmeister, 1995).…”

Active biomonitoring with wet and dry moss: a case study in an urban area

“…The elements may be retained by particulate entrapment, physicochemical processes such as ion exchange, as well as by the passive and active intracellular uptake. Tyler (1990) and Boileau et al (1982) supposed that the passive particulate-trapping is the dominant uptake mechanism in most bryophytes. On the other hand, Sphagnum capillifolium absorbs and retains rainwater to a considerable extent, which facilitates ion exchange between the soluble metal and moss cell walls, as indicated by the high performance in the absorption of trace elements during both dry and wet periods (Clymo 1963).…”

Niche characteristics of Cladonia lichens associated with geothermal vents in Japan

“…Such a tolerance of similar chemical compounds occurs in Cladonia taxa associated with heavy metals and other types of air pollution Beckett et al 1982;Nieboer et al 1982). Boileau et al (1982) found that Cladonia mitis is tolerant of heavy metals and that its accumulation varies with the levels in the soil and with levels of associated soil ores such as uranium. These authors found that C. mitis and C. rangiferina have similar metal accumulation abilities, and implied that we might find similar abilities among other Cladonia taxa.…”