Sensitivity of lichens to air pollution around the industrial area of Bhadravathi town, India.
Naveen Danesh, Puttaiah E. T., Silva J. A. T. da, Basavarajappa B. E., Vinayaka K. S.
Bioremediation, Biodiversity and Bioavailability 5 : 63-67
Abstract : Ambient air quality monitoring was carried out for two consecutive years (2006-2008) to assess the concentration of suspended particular matter (SPM), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) at an industrial area of Bhadravathi town and at Kuvempu University campus (15 km away from Bhadravthi town). Epiphytic lichens were monitored according to EU guidelines. The concentration of SPM (232.30-236.56 µg/m3) was highest of the three analyzed air pollutants, although all three were well within the threshold limit at both sites. Lichen species belonging to 9 genera were identified on the tree barks of Mangifera indica and Pongamia pinnata in the control area while sensitive lichen species were absent in the industrial area. The varied response of lichen species may be directly attributed to air pollution in Bhadravathi town.