Env Exp Biol (2012) 10: 27–34

Characterization of chemical composition of some bryophytes common in Latvia

Abstract

Bryophytes are the second largest taxonomic group in the plant kingdom, but studies conducted to better understand their chemical composition are limited and scattered. The aim of this paper is to determine and compare the chemical composition of bryophytes common in Latvia using elemental analysis, Fourier-transform infra-red and analytical pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Cluster analysis was used to better understand differences in chemical composition of bryophyte samples. Chemical analysis, Fourier-transform infra-red and pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry coupled with cluster analysis can be used only as rough tools for moss chemical taxonomy. It is possible that the differences in the composition of the studied mosses were determined by presence of secondary metabolites and not so much by their basic structural elements. Significant differences between Sphagnum species and other bryophytes were found.