Authors:
Laura Klavina, Inese Silamikele, Oskars Bikovens, Vizma Nikolejeva
Book:
Proceedings of the 14th International Peat Congress
Venue:
Stockholm
Keywords:
antimicrobial-activity, humification, mosses-and-bryophytes, peat
Documentfile:
Klavina et al 2012: Chemical Properties Contributing Towards the Antimicrobial Activity of the Main Peat-Forming Mosses
Summary:
Theme IV. Chemical, physical and biological characteristics of peat
SUMMARY
Peat properties influence peat-forming plants, grasses, shrubs and first of all moss (commonly different Sphagnum species). Other studies have suggested that biologically active ingredients in mosses determine their stability in respect to degradation and influence moss peat properties in northern bogs. We have studied the presence and concentration of polyphenolics in the composition of peat-forming mosses, their elemental composition (C, H, N, O) and major spectral properties (FT-IR, 13C NMR) in respect to their antimicrobial activity. Significant differences among different Sphagnum and other moss species were found. Substances (possibly of a phenolic origin) that influence the scavenging activity of free radicals can be considered as a factor providing significant contribution towards the antimicrobial activity of the studied mosses.