Effect of SO/sub 2/ on lichens and bryophytes around Newcastle upon Tyne

Conference · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1969 · Proceeding of the First European Congress on the Influence of Air Pollution on Plants and Animals; ()

OSTI ID:5747305

Gilbert, O L

Deterioration of lichens and bryophytes on trees, asbestos roofs, sandstone wall tops and in grassland has been investigated. The first sign of pollution damage is a reduction in luxuriance; increasing pollution causes progressive decline in species diversity and total weight; ultimately, at an annual average of SO/sub 2/ above 0.016 ppm, an area of very low species diversity is reached. Defined thus, a desert of about 500 sq. miles is centered on the Newcastle Coalfield. It can be limited very precisely by mapping Grimmia pulvinata or Parmelia saxatilis. Two environmental factors (shelter and high pH) can alleviate the effect of SO/sub 2/ pollution. The former by causing a reduction in SO/sub 2/ levels, the latter by influencing the degree of ionization and rate of oxidation of sulfite. Experimental evidence suggests that the accumulation of sulfur in the thalli of lichens is an active biological process. 18 references, 5 figures, 2 tables.

• Research Organization: The University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
• OSTI ID: 5747305
• Report Number(s): CONF-680492-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Proceeding of the First European Congress on the Influence of Air Pollution on Plants and Animals; () Journal Volume: 1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500500 -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Site Resource & Use Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
560303* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Plants-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ALGAE
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
CHALCOGENIDES
ELEMENTS
EUROPE
FUNGI
INJURIES
LICHENS
MOSSES
NONMETALS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PLANTS
POPULATIONS
RESPONSE MODIFYING FACTORS
SPECIES DIVERSITY
SULFUR
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SULFUR DIOXIDE
SULFUR OXIDES
SYMPTOMS
UNITED KINGDOM
WESTERN EUROPE