Lichens are composite organisms that form when algae or cyanobacteria live in the filaments of fungi in a mutualistic relationship. Lichen, which lack roots, obtain most of their necessary elements from the air; the elemental levels in lichen can reflect the composition of ambient air. As a result, many studies of lichens have emphasized their role as bioindicators of air quality, as well as climate change, pollutants such as phosphate from industrial fertilizers, and heavy metal contamination.[1][2]
Overview
editSome species of lichen are extremophiles and thrive in conditions with limited water, low nutrients, and extreme temperatures. Lichens have been recognized as sensitive bioindicators of various pollutants, including heavy metals, which accumulate in the bodies of lichens over time.[3] Furthermore, the absence, or presence, of certain species of lichens in a given area can indicate the ecosystem's overall health; changes in an area's lichen population or composition can be an early warning sign of environmental damage.[3]
Biomonitoring
editLichens biomonitoring is a process by which pollutants are measured in the tissue of a lichen, and then these levels are used to assess the pollution in the larger environment.[3]
Pollutants
editHeavy metals
editReferences
edit- ^ Pescott, Oliver L.; Simkin, Janet M.; August, Tom A.; Randle, Zoe; Dore, Anthony J.; Botham, Marc S. (15 June 2015). "Air pollution and its effects on lichens, bryophytes, and lichen-feeding Lepidoptera: review and evidence from biological records: Lichens, Bryophytes, Moths and Air Quality". Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 115 (3): 611–635. doi:10.1111/bij.12541.
- ^ Bačkor, M.; Loppi, S. (2009-06-01). "Interactions of lichens with heavy metals". Biologia Plantarum. 53 (2): 214–222. doi:10.1007/s10535-009-0042-y.
- ^ a b c Yang, Jiho; Oh, Soon-Ok; Hur, Jae-Seoun (2023-09-03). "Lichen as Bioindicators: Assessing their Response to Heavy Metal Pollution in Their Native Ecosystem". Mycobiology. 51 (5): 343–353. doi:10.1080/12298093.2023.2265144. ISSN 1229-8093. PMC 10621259. PMID 37929008.