Lichens as biological indicators of air pollution

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · Annu. Rev. Phytopathol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.py.17.090179.001545· OSTI ID:5529137

Skye, E

Thus with the help of lichens - whether growing naturally on tree trunks or whether transplanted in some way - an assessment can readily be made of the extent of air pollution. In this context, because of their sensitivity, and because they normally occur almost everywhere, they are far better than any measuring instrument. However, the difficulty lies in translating the picture of lichen distribution into exact air pollution values, a difficulty that is certainly not insuperable. In the initial phase of investigation of damage around a source of pollution, lichens can assist in the assessment of the type of air pollution involved. If change of substrate of the lichens, as well as their general appearance, is interpreted correctly, a good picture of the air pollution situation is already available.

• OSTI ID: 5529137
• Journal Information: Annu. Rev. Phytopathol.; (United States), Journal Name: Annu. Rev. Phytopathol.; (United States) Vol. 17; ISSN APPYA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
560303 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Plants-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
ALGAE
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
FUNGI
LICHENS
MORPHOLOGY
PLANTS
POLLUTION
SENSITIVITY