Relationships between lichen community composition and concentrations of NO2 and NH3.
The relationship between different features of lichen communities in Quercus robur canopies and environmental variables, including concentrations of NO(2) and NH(3) was investigated. NO(2) concentration was the most significant variable, it was positively correlated with the proportion of lichen cover comprising nitrophytes and negatively correlated with total lichen cover. None of the lichen community features were correlated with NH(3) concentrations, which were relatively low across the site. Since nitrophytes and nitrophobes are likely to react in opposite directions to nitrogenous compounds, total lichen cover is not a suitable indicator for these pollutants. It is, therefore, suggested that the proportion of lichen cover comprising nitrophytes may be a suitable simple indicator of air quality, particularly in locations where the pollution climate is dominated by oxides of nitrogen.
Gadsdon
Sally R
SR
Division of Biology, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, UK. sally.gadsdon@cityoflondon.gov.uk
Dagley
Jeremy R
JR
Wolseley
Patricia A
PA
Power
Sally A
SA
D000641:Ammonia / Q000378:metabolism*; D044822:Biodiversity; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000378:metabolism*; D008011:Lichens / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism*; D009585:Nitrogen Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism*
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D000641:Ammonia; D009585:Nitrogen Dioxide