Effects of sulfur dioxide fumigation on photosynthesis, respiration, and chlorophyll content of selected lichens

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1981 · Bryologist; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3242857· OSTI ID:6439961

Beekley, P K; Hoffman, G R

Four lichens - Parmelia bolliana Mull. Arg., Physcia stellaris (L.) Nyl., Xanthoria fallax (Hepp) Arn., and Physconia grisea (Lam.) Poelt - listed in order of decreasing mesophytism, were fumigated for 4 hr at 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, and 2.5 ppm sulfur dioxide to determine the effects on photosynthesis, respiration, and chlorophyll content. Photosynthesis decreased after fumigation at 1.0 and 2.5 ppm, but significant decreases occurred only after fumigation at 2.5 ppm. Expressed on the basis of per unit weight chlorophyll content, photosynthesis of Physconia grisea was most sensitive followed by that of Xanthoria fallax, Physcia stellaris and Parmelia bolliana. Expressed on the basis of per unit dry weight of lichen sample, photosynthesis of Physconia grisea was most sensitive followed by Xanthoria fallax, Physcia stellaris, and Parmelia bolliana. In both cases, the more xerophytic species were more sensitive. Chlorophyll content in these species was not measurably altered by fumigation. Comparison of chlorophyll a and b absorption spectra peaks for fumigated and control samples indicated that no phaeophytinisation occurred. Insignificant and inconsistent differences in chlorophyll a/b ratios were observed. Respiration of Physcia stellaris and Parmelia bolliana decreased significantly following fumigation with 2.5 ppm SO/sub 2/; both species were more sensitive than Xanthoria fallax. Physconia grisea was not tested for respiratory response. The effects of SO/sub 2/ fumigation on measured metabolic rates differed with the species. Photosynthetic rates of the xerophytic Xanthoria fallax and Physconia gresea were more sensitive than the more mesophytic Parmelia bolliana and Physcia stellaris. In contrast, respiratory sensitivities to SO/sub 2/ fumigation were greater for P. bolliana and P. stellaris.

• Research Organization: Univ. of South Dakota, Vermillion
• OSTI ID: 6439961
• Journal Information: Bryologist; (United States), Vol. 84:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
LICHENS
SENSITIVITY
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
INHIBITION
RESPIRATION
SULFUR DIOXIDE
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY
CHLOROPHYLL
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
CONCENTRATION RATIO
CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERES
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
METABOLISM
SPECIES DIVERSITY
ALGAE
ATMOSPHERES
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
FUNGI
HETEROCYCLIC ACIDS
HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS
PHYTOCHROMES
PIGMENTS
PLANTS
POLLUTION
PORPHYRINS
SPECTROSCOPY
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SULFUR OXIDES
SYNTHESIS
560303* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Plants- (-1987)