| Abstract: | The properties of aquatic bryophytes in trapping sediments, adsorption of metals by ionic exchange, concentrating rare earth and other metals, and their long life, enabling them to integrate seasonal fluctuations in metal content of streams, make them useful adjuncts to stream sediments or, under certain conditions, the preferred sampling medium for prospecting. Certain factors may limit their usefulness, including their sporadic occurrence caused by their requirement for specific habitats, and the possibility of species differences in element accumulation together with difficulties in species identification. Recent studies indicate that these factors can be ignored. Effects of natural contamination of the samples may require thorough cleaning and correction such as standardizing of ash yields. |
