Air pollution and the distribution of epiphytic lichens and bryophytes in Winnipeg, Manitoba

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1974 · Bryologist; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3241614· OSTI ID:6266964

Stringer, P W; Stringer, M H.L.

Four zones based on cover and species diversity of epiphytic lichens and bryophytes are designated for urban and suburban Winnipeg, Manitoba. Epiphyte cover decreases markedly towards the city center, and there is a well-defined area almost totally devoid of epiphytes in the central built-up region. As known levels of sulphur dioxide are generally low in the city center, other pollutants, especially emissions from gasoline-powered vehicles, e.g., carbon monoxide, ethylene, may be chiefly operative in the maintenance of this depauperate zone, with aridity associated with the heat island perhaps also important. Sulphur dioxide from oil refineries and the main city power plant may be locally important over smaller areas. The most city-tolerant species in Winnipeg are Candelaria concolor, Physcia adscendens, Xanthoria fallax, Amblystegium juratzkanum, Leskea obscura/polycarpa, and Pylaisiella polyantha, with Lecania dimera, Lecanora impudens, Parmelia bolliana, and P. subargentifera among the least tolerant. Increase in soredia production, and decrease in apothecial production towards the city center were observed in Candelaria concolor, Physcia millegrana, P. orbicularis, and Xanthoria fallax, and Physcia aipolia, P. ciliata, P. stellaris, and Xanthoria polycarpa respectively.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Winnipeg, Manitoba
• OSTI ID: 6266964
• Journal Information: Bryologist; (United States), Journal Name: Bryologist; (United States) Vol. 77; ISSN BRYOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560303* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Plants-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
ALGAE
AUTOMOBILES
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CORRELATIONS
EXHAUST GASES
FLUIDS
FUNGI
GASEOUS WASTES
GASES
LICHENS
PLANTS
POLLUTION
POPULATIONS
SENSITIVITY
URBAN AREAS
VARIATIONS
VEHICLES
WASTES