Can lichens provide clues to an areas air pollution?
Lichens are organisms that are extremely sensitive to air pollution. These life forms are actually two types of organisms living in partnership: fungi and either a green algae or a blue-green bacterium. Lichens grow on rocks, buildings, and on trees. These organisms receive virtually all their water and nutrients from the air. Lichens are especially sensitive to certain air pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide. When lichens are exposed to these pollutants they will die. Automobile emissions and some industrial processes can produce these pollutants. Because of this, scientists use lichens as indicators of pollution, or bioindicators. The quantity, diversity, and colors of the lichens all provide evidence of the area’s pollutants. These…
