Lichens

SO2 :: Usnea species

Submitted by Eleanor Campbell on Thu, 11/08/2011 - 10:55

Impact Type: Direct exposure to pollutant

Key Concerns:

Usnea spp. are highly sensitive to SO2, and are also believed to be sensitive to acidic deposition (Seaward & Hitch 1982). Hawksworth & Rose (1970a) suggest that some species can tolerate up to 40 µg m-3 SO2 (U. subfloridana), U. ceratina and rubiginea can tolerate up to 35 µg m-3 SO2, and that U. florida under 30 µg m-3 SO2, with U. artculata and filpendula only found in area with pure air.

SO2 :: Orange-fruited elm-lichen

Submitted by Eleanor Campbell on Thu, 11/08/2011 - 10:47

Impact Type: Direct exposure to pollutant

Key Concerns:

The Orange-fruited elm-lichen (Caloplaca luteoalba) used to be relatively widespread in the UK, but has suffered a severe decline in the last century. It is now largely confined to the dry bark of mature elm trees (Biodiversity Steering Group 1995). It is probably sensitive to SO2, however there is no published research as to the effects of air pollution on this species.

Additional Comments:

None 

SO2 :: Lobaria species

Submitted by Eleanor Campbell on Thu, 11/08/2011 - 10:43

Impact Type: Direct exposure to pollutant

Key Concerns:

Lobaria spp., as with other lichen species, are affected by SO2 (Hawksworth & Rose 1970a). Each species within the Lobarion may have a critical level at which point its population will begin to decline (Farmer et al. 1991a). See also Sulphur dioxide / Lichens(general)

Additional Comments:

Also sensitive to acid deposition. 

SO2 :: Lichens (general)

Submitted by Eleanor Campbell on Thu, 11/08/2011 - 10:39

Impact Type: Direct exposure to pollutant

Key Concerns:

It has long been known that SO2 has an effect on lichen growth, maps using the decline of lichens as a system for the measuring SO2 levels were available before the First World War (Dudley & Stolton 1996).

SO2 :: a lichen

Submitted by Eleanor Campbell on Thu, 11/08/2011 - 10:25

Impact Type: Direct exposure to pollutant

Key Concerns:

Bacidia incompta severely affected by air pollution, as with so many lichen Spp. It is sensitive to SO2 (Biodiversity Steering Group 1995, Seaward & Hitch 1982).

Additional Comments:

There is no other literature available on this species. 

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