title: [Lichens as rapid bioindicators of pollution and habitat disturbances in the tropics].
abstract: Lichens have value as bioindicators of environmental pollution, climate change, and ecological continuity. Extensive work has been undertaken in temperate areas, but in only few cases have the techniques been applied in the tropics. Most tropical studies to date are in relation to air pollution and forest disturbance, but these are scattered geographically and remain to be undertaken in most tropical regions. The potential of lichens as rapid bioindicators in the tropics can start to be realized even where the species described are not fully identified as they are perennial and separable by eye or hand lens, and a lack of training is identified as the main constraint. An extensive bibliography is included.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Biología Vegetal II, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Hawksworth
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Iturriaga
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Crespo
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology; D044822:Biodiversity; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D004777:Environment; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D004787:Environmental Pollution; D006723:Hong Kong; D008011:Lichens / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology; D011848:Radioactive Pollutants / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology; D013020:South America; D013458:Sulfur Dioxide / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology; D013785:Thailand; D014329:Tropical Climate; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D019216:Metals, Heavy; D011848:Radioactive Pollutants; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D013458:Sulfur Dioxide