Mine-grown moss shows unusual power to trap toxic metals from water

Researchers at the University of Oulu in Finland have identified a common moss species, Warnstorfia fluitans, that, together with its internal microbial partners (endophytes), can effectively trap and transform toxic metals from polluted waters without the need for energy or chemical treatments. This moss thrives in acidic, metal-rich environments near mines, where few other plants survive, and its microbial symbionts—particularly Phialocephala bamuru and Hyaloscypha hepaticola—help convert dissolved metals like iron, cadmium, copper, zinc, nickel, and arsenic into less harmful solid forms. This natural process acts like a sponge, binding metals and potentially allowing for the removal of metal-rich mosses to reduce contamination. The research, involving international collaboration and industry partners, aims to develop sustainable water purification methods for remote, cold, and challenging environments where traditional treatments are ineffective. Upcoming field trials will test the moss-microbe system’s ability to clean iron-rich forest drainage ditches