Lichen diversity and lichen transplants as monitors of air pollution in a rural area of central Italy.
The results of a biomonitoring study carried out in the Municipality of Colle di Val d'Elsa (central Italy), using the diversity of epiphytic lichens and the accumulation of selected elements in thalli of the lichen Evernia prunastri transplanted in two urban sites are reported. The results indicate that the survey area suffers from different types of pollution. The main air pollutants are NO( X ) and Pb. Vehicular traffic and domestic heating are the main sources of the former, and traffic and a crystal factory of the latter. Furthermore, most study area is eutrophicated due to diffuse agricultural activities and the presence of pig and sheep stockfarms.
Loppi
Stefano
S
Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali G Sarfatti, Università di Siena, Via PA Mattioli 4, Siena, Italy. loppi@unisi.it
Frati
Luisa
L
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis* / Q000633:toxicity; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000032:analysis / Q000517:prevention & control; D001203:Ascomycota / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development*; D044822:Biodiversity; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D007558:Italy; D009589:Nitrogen Oxides / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity; D012423:Rural Health; D014507:Urbanization
D000393:Air Pollutants; D009589:Nitrogen Oxides