The effect of suspended coal particles on the life forms of the aquatic moss Eurhynchium riparioides (Hedw.) I. The gametophyte plant.

Gametophyte material of the aquatic moss Eurhynchium riparioides was placed into suspensions of coal-dust ranging from 100 to 5000 mg/1 in concentration. After 1 week, concentrations above 500 mg/1 were causing severe abrasive damage to the leaves—however, this effect was observed at 100 mg/1 after 3 weeks. The higher concentrations of coal-dust were affecting growth by limiting the increase in length which was observed in the control flasks. Also, after a period of 3 weeks the production of side branches decreased with increase in coal-dust concentration, and at 500 mg/1, lateral shoots were almost absent. The production of chlorophyll a was also limited by the presence of coal-dust but even at the high concentration of 5000 mg/1 chlorophyll a production was not prevented entirely. A possible mechanism for the action of coal-dust is postulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]