Lichens as integrating air pollution monitors.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Biomonitoring
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Epiphytic lichens are sensitive bioindicators of air quality.
• Trace element accumulation in lichens reflects environmental pollution.
• National-scale data integration is crucial for comprehensive environmental assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To integrate lichen mapping data with trace element analysis of Hypogymnia physodes for air quality assessment.
• To determine the relationship between atmospheric purity and elemental concentrations in lichens.
• To identify potential pollution sources using biomonitoring data.

Main Methods:

• Lichen mapping using the Index of Atmospheric Purity (IAP) based on lichen cover and frequency.
• Quantitative determination of trace elements in Hypogymnia physodes using k0-instrumental neutron activation analysis.
• Multivariate statistical analysis to correlate IAP results with elemental levels.

Main Results:

• Over 70% of the surveyed territory showed poor epiphytic lichen flora, indicating highly or moderately polluted air (IAP classes 3 and 4).
• Elemental levels in H. physodes did not show a direct negative impact on lichen diversity.
• Multivariate analysis suggested that elemental profiles can aid in identifying pollution source types and origins.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights significant air pollution across the studied territory based on lichen bioindicators.
• Trace element analysis in H. physodes, combined with IAP, offers a valuable tool for source apportionment of air pollutants.
• Biomonitoring using lichens provides insights into both the extent of pollution and potential sources.