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Summary
Lichens are very sensitive to sulfur dioxide, hydrogen fluoride, and heavy metals. More research is needed to understand their sensitivity to oxidant air pollutants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Botany
- Ecology
Background:
- Lichens are bioindicators of air quality.
- Previous research shows sensitivity to specific pollutants.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess lichen sensitivity to various air pollutants.
- Determine the relative sensitivity of lichens to oxidant air pollutants.
Main Methods:
- Field studies.
- Laboratory experiments.
Main Results:
- Lichens exhibit extreme sensitivity to sulfur dioxide.
- Lichens show fair sensitivity to hydrogen fluoride and heavy metals.
Conclusions:
- Sulfur dioxide, hydrogen fluoride, and heavy metals are significant air pollutants affecting lichens.
- Further investigation is required to understand lichen responses to oxidant air pollutants.