Submitted by Bill Bealey on Wed, 03/04/2013 - 10:44
| Title | Diversity and sensitivity of epiphytes to oxides of nitrogen in London |
| Publication Type | Journal |
| Year of Publication | 2007 |
| Authors | Davies, L, Bates, JW, Bell, JNB, James, PW, Purvis, OW |
| Journal/Book | Environmental Pollution |
| Volume | 146 |
| Pagination | 299-310 |
| Abstract | 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. |