NOx :: Lichens (general)

Submitted by Eleanor Campbell on Thu, 11/08/2011 - 09:38
Latin name: 
Lichens (general)

Impact Type: Direct exposure to pollutant

Key Concerns:

NO2 and SO2 are probably the most important air pollutants in determining lichen biodiversity (van Dobben & ter Braak 1998, van Dobben et al. 2001, Von Arb et al. 1990). However there is no scale of sensitivity for NO2 as there is for SO2 such as the Hawksworth and Rose scale (1970a). Most studies have looked at the effects of NO2 and SO2 combined or SO2 alone. Von Arb et al. (1990) have presented evidence that NO2 alone might play a significant role, but come to the conclusion that further experiments are needed to determine the impact of NO2 as a single air pollutant.

Additional Comments:

There is a lack of published studies of NO2 impacts on lichens. 

Critical Load/level: 
Critical Load/ Level

No estimate available
References: 
Hawksworth, D.L.; Rose, F. 1970 Qualitave scale for estimating sulphur dioxoide in air pollution in England and Wales using epiphytic lichens Nature 227 145-148
Van Dobben, H.J.; Wolterbeek, H.T.; Wamelink, G.W.W.; Ter Braak, C.J.F. 2001 Relationship between epiphytic lichens, trace elements and gaseous atmospheric pollutants Environmental Pollution 112 163-169
Van Dobben, H.J.; Ter Braak, C.J.F. 1998 Effects of atmospheric NH3 on epiphytic lichens in the Netherlands: the pitfalls of biological monitoring. Atmospheric Environment 32 551-557
Von Arb, C.; Mueller, C.; Ammann, K.; Brunold, C. 1990 Lichen Physiology and Air-Pollution .2. Statistical-Analysis of the Correlation between SO2, NO2, NO and O3, and Chlorophyll Content, Net Photosynthesis, Sulfate Uptake and Protein- Synthesis of Parmelia-Sulcata Taylor New Phytologist 115 431-437
Species group: 
Lichens
Pollutant: 
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)