Vascular Plants

Acid deposition :: Marsh clubmoss

Impact Type: Deposition of pollutant

Key Concerns:

Marsh clubmoss (Lycopodiella inundata) is a perennial species of wet heaths, found on bare peaty soil, and occasionally on the margins of lochs. It is thought to be vulnerable to acid deposition (Biodiversity Steering Group 1995).

Additional Comments:

There is no published research on the effects of air pollution on this species, but adverse effects on cell membranes may be expected. 

Acid deposition :: Heather or Ling

Impact Type: Deposition of pollutant

Key Concerns:

Calluna vulgaris is a species which is often dominant on acidic heathland soils and so would be expected to be tolerant of acid deposition. No work has been published as to the effects of acid deposition perse on Calluna. The most likely effect will be a reduction in Phosphorous availability on the acid, low nutrient soils inhabited by Calluna which could help ameliorate negative effects of eutrophication.

Additional Comments:

Acid deposition :: Ferns (general)

Impact Type: Deposition of pollutant

Key Concerns:

Ferns may be susceptible to damage by acid deposition which can inhibit reproduction (spore germination)(Ashenden et al. 1990 , Bosley et al. 1998, Conway 1949, and Lawrence & Ashenden 1993. Below pH 3.5 negative effects on spore germination in Polypodium interjection, Dryopteris affinis and Phyllitis scolopendrium have been observed.

Additional Comments:

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