Willow moss grows in freshwater streams and waterbodies. A recent study found that dried willow moss can be used to pull hydrocarbons from water. It can also be used as a hydrocarbon detector, letting scientists know if there has been a spill or if cleanup efforts are needed.
Willow moss has a large surface area. This means that is comes in contact with a lot of water, which can help it clean up large amounts of hydrocarbons.
Gasoline and oil, both hydrocarbon products, can get into waterways from leaky vehicles. Shown, oil from a paved parking lot flowing directly into a stormwater system in Baraboo, Wisconsin.