Phytoremediation, the practice of removing heavy metals from contaminated sites using plants, has emerged as a cost-effective, environmentally friendly green technology to restore damaged ecosystems. Mosses, in particular, demonstrate high phytoremediation potential due to their ability to accumulate heavy metals such as lead, zinc, copper, chromium, cadmium, and iron from contaminated soil and water. This review systematically examines 37 research articles published from 2000 to 2022, focusing on the on the use of mosses for phytoremediation. Moss species, such as Funaria hygrometrica Hedw, Scopelophila cataractae (Mitten) Brotherus, Dicranum scoparium Hedw, Dicranum polysetum Sw. ex anon, Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw, Physcomitrium cyathicarpum Mitt, Barbula constricta Mitt, and Leptodictyum riparium (Hedw.) Warnst. have been identified as ideal candidates for phytoremediation efforts. Specific species of mosses, such as Dicranum species, are noted for their excellent bioaccumulation capabilities of elements like vanadium, manganese, and rubidium, serving as indicators of air pollution. Additionally, Hypnum cupressiforme has proven to be a reliable indicator of sulfur dioxide in natural and anthropogenic sources. This comprehensive review highlights the significant phytoremediation potential of mosses, emphasizing their role as valuable bioaccumulators and indicators of heavy metals and pollutants. The findings highlight the necessity of further research to enhance the application of mosses in environmental management and remediation strategies, ultimately contributing to the development of sustainable and effective solutions for pollution control.

The structural and functional state of microbial communities of different-aged buried ancient soloids (soil-like bodies lacking genetically distinct horizons) have been comprehensively assessed in open archaeological pits of ancient human sites in the middle reaches of the Mzymta River on the Sochi Black Sea coast in the Akhtsu grotto and Akhshtyrskaya cave. A number of changes in the functional biodiversity of ancient soloids as compared with the background soils (alluvial soils formed immediately near the studied soloids with similar mesomorphological properties) are observed. They include a 1.2-fold decrease in the specific metabolic activity of microbial communities assessed by multisubstrate testing and an increased instability of paleomicrobial systems according to the coefficient of rank distribution of the range of substrate consumption d > 1, which is typical of irreversibly damaged systems. The microbial community of ancient soloids has undergone a number of changes associated with anthropogenic activity. According to the analysis of the main range of consumed substrates (multisubstrate testing), the microbial community of the Akhtsu grotto soloid displays a more intensive consumption of alcohols and amino acids, which suggests the supply of the organic matter of an animal origin to the cultural layer of ancient human site. Lactococci and bifidobacteria are identified in the Akhshtyrskaya cave soloid; they are extremely rare in soil and develop under conditions of excess carbohydrates on rich complex media, such as fermented meat and plant residues. In addition, an increased content of keratinolytic fungi capable of decomposing the keratin of hair, wool, feathers, and so on has been found in the cultural layer of the cave site. A comparative analysis of the prokaryotic taxonomy demonstrates the prevalence of the members of the Thermoleophilia class, family Gaiellaceae, order Solirubrobacterales in all the studied soils and soloids. These microorganisms require only positive temperatures for their development, suggesting a mild climate during the soil formation. The Akhtsu grotto paleosols are a promising source of bacteria (genera Janthinobacterium, Lysobacter, and Chitinophaga) that may possess biotechnological potential and useful properties.

With the expansion of urban areas, the amount of sludge produced by sewage treatment plants is increasing, raising big problems regarding the reintroduction of this sludge into nature in order to fully solve the wastewater problem. The application of sludge to agricultural surfaces or degraded land is a controversial solution since, despite the well-known benefits, sludge can, in certain cases, represent a real threat to both human health and the environment, with long-term harmful effects. The present study evaluates the potential genotoxicity of sludge using the Comet Test and three cellular bioindicators (lymphocytes, coelomocytes, and Allium cepa L.) for its quantification. To perform the tests, the soluble fraction of the sludge was used at concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, as well as a negative control (H2O) and a positive control (H2O2). The Comet test indicated an increase in DNA damage among cells exposed for 4 h in the following order: coelomocytes, lymphocytes, and Allium cepa L. cells. Our results indicate that Allium cepa L. nuclei are more sensitive, with genotoxic effects being evident at concentrations as low as 25%. In coelomocytes, we recorded nuclear damage starting at a concentration of 75%. These results indicate the necessity of using multiple genotoxicity tests, combined in a test battery, to achieve a greater level of relevance. The concentration of the soluble fraction of the sludge has an inverse relationship with the auxin content in leaves and roots, suggesting varying levels of stress. The results of this study can contribute to the creation of a genotoxic profile of sewage sludge, facilitating decisions related to reducing its negative impact.