TY - Generic T1 - Diversity and sensitivity of epiphytes to oxides of nitrogen in London Y1 - 2007 A1 - Davies, L. A1 - Bates, J.W. A1 - Bell, J.N.B. A1 - James, P.W. A1 - Purvis, O.W. AB - This study investigated the distribution and diversity of epiphytes in London in relation to NO(x) using fine-scale atmospheric dispersion modelling. The survey recorded over 3000 epiphytes from 334 trees (Fraxinus excelsior) representing 74 lichen, 14 moss, 7 fungal and 3 algal species. There was a significant inverse relationship between diversity and NO(x). Diversity declined where NO(x) exceeded 70 microg m(-3) and NO2 exceeded 40 microg m(-3), suggesting a phytotoxic effect. However, there was a significant positive relationship between NO(x) and lichen abundance due to the ubiquitous distribution of pollution tolerant species, mainly associated with eutrophication. A scale of lichen sensitivity to NO(x) has been derived. JF - Environmental Pollution VL - 146 ER -