Effects of sulfur dioxide on the lichen algae, with special reference to chlorophyll

Journal Article · · Bryologist; (United States)

OSTI ID:6498414

Rao, D N; LeBlanc, F

Thalli of Xanthoria fallax, X. parietina, Parmelia caperata, and Physcia millegrana were exposed to 5 ppm sulfur dioxide gas for 24 hours at various conditions of humidity. Abnormalities of bleaching of the chlorophyll, permanent plasmolysis, and formation of sporadic brown spots on the chloroplasts were observed in the algal cells. Sulfurous acid and Mg/sup + +/ were detected in the extracts of the SO/sub 2/-exposed thalli. Sulfate concentration increased in thalli exposed to SO/sub 2/ in increased humidity. The absorption spectrum of chlorophyll extracted from SO/sub 2/-exposed thalli showed maximum absorption at 667 m..mu.., characteristic of phaeophytin a, indicating the degradation of chlorophyll a to phaeophytin a under the influence of SO/sub 2/. These observations are of interest with regard to the well known sensitivity of lichens to atmospheric pollution.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Ottawa, Ontario
• OSTI ID: 6498414
• Journal Information: Bryologist; (United States), Vol. 69:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
LICHENS
INJURIES
SULFUR DIOXIDE
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
AIR POLLUTION
CHLOROPHYLL
PLANTS
ALGAE
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
CHALCOGENIDES
FUNGI
HETEROCYCLIC ACIDS
HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHYTOCHROMES
PIGMENTS
POLLUTION
PORPHYRINS
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SULFUR OXIDES
560303* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Plants- (-1987)