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Selection of Biomonitoring Species

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Lichens to Biomonitor the Environment

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Abstract

Lichens lack significant cuticle or epidermis and are devoid of a well-developed root system, therefore they absorb nutrients directly from the atmosphere. Along with nutrients, pollutants are also absorbed and/or adsorbed on the lichen thalli without having any visible signs of injury to the thallus. Lichens show differential sensitivity towards wide range of pollutants. Certain species are inherently more sensitive, while some species shows tolerance to high levels of pollutants. These characteristics make certain lichen species suitable for being utilised as an indicator species (based on their sensitivity and tolerance). These features of lichens, combined with their extraordinary capability to grow in a large geographical area, rank them among an ideal and reliable bioindicators of air pollution. Periodically monitoring lichen community and physiological changes in the lichen species may be effectively utilised to monitor air quality of an area. This chapter summarises the criteria for selection of biomonitoring species and how characters of host plant influences lichen diversity. Details about different lichen species utilised for biomonitoring have been discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Environmental Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, UP, India

    Vertika Shukla

  2. Lichenology Laboratory, CSIR - National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, UP, India

    D. K. Upreti & Rajesh Bajpai

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  1. Vertika Shukla
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Shukla, V., Upreti, D.K., Bajpai, R. (2014). Selection of Biomonitoring Species. In: Lichens to Biomonitor the Environment. Springer, New Delhi. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-1503-5_3

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