Biomonitoring of metal pollution by mosses

Air pollution caused by human activities has serious consequences forecosystems and human health. In fact these elements which are non-biodegradable in nature are highly environmentally toxic and can be involved in many diseases Leucodon sciuroides L. a species of pyrophyte that serves as a bio-indicator for the Souk Ahras region is well-suited to harsh environmental conditions and has heavy metal accumulation traits. In this context we have assessed L. sciuroides anti- oxidative response in relation to the heavy metal exposure is treated in hydroponically 4000200010 and 1 mg/ml and 40020020 and 2 mg/ml of two heavy metals: zinc and copper for 246 and 8 days.The statistical analysis of the results obtained shows significant differences between the treated samples and the controls for the majority of the parameters studied with an increase in the contents of chlorophyll pigments (a b a+b) accompanied by an increase in the contents of total proteins and soluble sugars with areduction in proline contents. A depletion of GSH levels at the start of treatment withno activity remarkable enzymatic biomarkers (CAT and APX) which reflects the hightolerance.