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:
1970
Qualitave scale for estimating sulphur dioxoide in air pollution in England and Wales using epiphytic lichens
Nature
227
145-148
1998
Effects of atmospheric NH3 on epiphytic lichens in the Netherlands: the pitfalls of biological monitoring.
Atmospheric Environment
32
551-557
2001
Relationship between epiphytic lichens, trace elements and gaseous atmospheric pollutants
Environmental Pollution
112
163-169
Species group:
Pollutant: