Affiliation: | Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, via Cinthia 4, Naples 80126, Italy;Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via Port'Arsa 11, Benevento 82100, Italy;Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, via Cinthia 4, Naples 80126, Italy;Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena 53100, Italy;Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy;Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena 53100, Italy;Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy;Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, via Cinthia 4, Naples 80126, Italy |
Abstract: | We determined genetic variation and metal and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations in Leptodon smithii moss collected in holm oak stands at cities, outskirts and remote areas of Campania and Tuscany (Italy) to investigate if anthropogenic pressure (pollutant emissions and land use change) affects moss genetic richness. In both regions, metal and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations reflected the trend urban > outskirts > remote areas, excepting Tuscany remote site. In both regions, themoss gene diversity increased fromurban to remote areas. The findings suggest the extent and the fragmentation of urban green areas, as drivers of moss genetic richness. |