AbstractAn investigation was carried out on the distribution of a‘copper moss’Scopelophila cataractae(Mitt.) Broth in Japan, followed by a semi-quantitative survey of elements present in samples collected using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF). On the basis of this survey, quantitative studies on the concentrations of Cu and 15 other elements (Na, Mg, AI, P, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Pb) in the copper-rich samples were carried out using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Localization of Cu in the cells was also investigated using scanning and transmission electron microscopy with X-ray microanalysis (SEM-XMA, Cryo-SEM-XMA and TEM-XMA).S. cataractaeis able to grow in various copper-rich environments. The concentration of Cu in the shoots attained a level as high as 1–3% although the concentration of Cu in rain water carrying Cu from cooper artifacts toS. cataractaecolonies was in the order of ppm. The cell wall was found to be a particularly important site of Cu accumulation in comparison with other cell components.