from the atmosphere or the substrate. Marchantia polymorpha, Solenostoma crenulata
, are the example of the metal tolerant populations. Scapania undulata is used to monitor water pollution Govindapyari et al. 2010.
Some other species of bryophyte have also been used as indicator of air pollution caused by people
activities in residential areas, polluted by fumes or industry Dymytrova 2009. 2.2.2 Pioneer plants and erosion control
Bryophytes have capability to rapidly colonize substrate, therefor they are pioneer plants in bare lands. Thick layer of bryophyte on soil may have ability to
absorb and store a large quantities of rain water, and prevent soil erosion Gradstein et al. 2001. The ability to reduce erosion have important role,
especially on the outskirts of the newly opened road and the slope of the hill, before the larger plants are growing. Bryophytes also has potentially role in
helping revegetation of degraded land, for example in the former mining areas, clearing land, and forest conversion. This capability is supported by the ability of
bryophytes to form a large population or a vast expanse quickly Glime 2007b.
2.2.3 Habitat for other organisms
Bryophytes may offer shelter to small animals. Epiphytic liverworts are widely used as habitat by insects such as ants, beetles, and mites. The insects also
used the bryophytes for storing their larvae. Small animals such as lizards, snails, frogs, and arthropods are frequently found on the terrestrial liverworts mats. They
used the liverworts to create moist environment, protect them from the wind, and for laying their eggs. Liverworts can accumulate organic matter and dust, making
it possible to accomodate food source for the small animals. Liverworts also may serve as substrate for other plants Glime 2007a.
2.2.4 Horticultural uses
Bryophytes have been involved in horticulture as soil additives, ground cover, greenhouse crops, ornamental of potted plants, and for seedling beds.
Bryophytes are often used to conditionize and fertilize the soil. Coarse textured of bryophytes increase water-storage capacity. They may improve the nutrient
condition by holding nutrients, especially those borne by dust and rainfall, and releasing the nutrients to the soil surface. Recently, one of the more important
functions of the liverwort is in the study of the physiology and genetic potential in gene transplantation for traits tolerant to drought and as antiherbivora for
agricultural crops Glime 2007b
. .
Many species of liverworts may contain natural pesticides, for example: the species of Plagiochila contains the sesquiterpene hemiacetyl plagiochiline A, a
poison extremely potent in mice, and it inhibits the feeding of an African army worm. Extracts of Frullania brasiliensis can inhibit the growth of fungal
pathogens on vegetables such as tomatoes and potatoes. Asakawa et al. 1980.
2.2.5 Medicine One reason in the bryophyte exploitations is the biological compounds that
can be used for medicine. Liverworts are used in traditional medicine for treating some diseases such as liver, hookworm, swelling, fever, digestive and urinary
problems, infections, lung, and skin diseases. The traditional use of liverworts
