Studies on epiphytic lichens and pine bark in the vicinity of a cement works in northern Finland.

Abstract

The element content (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, S) of Scots pine ( L.) bark and lichens, as well as the occurrence and coverage of epiphytic lichens and the length of species, were studied in the vicinity of Kolari cement works, NW Finland. Fruticose species had the highest coverage on pine trunks at a distance of 2 km or more from the cement works. At a distance of 1 km the foliose – or even crustose – species were most abundant, while nearer to the works lichens were almost completely absent. The length of was reduced at distances of less than 2 km from the cement works. The calcium content in species increased very steeply close to the works; by a factor of 60 at a distance of 1 km compared to 16 km. No corresponding increase in other elements was observed near the cement works. All the elements studied in pine bark showed a significant negative correlation with distance, and a significant positive correlation with the calculated dust deposition levels. There were only minor differences between the north and south of the pine trunks, or the side facing or away from the works. Pine bark analysis is recommended for element accumulation studies.Pinus sylvestrisBryoriaBryoriaBryoriaParmeliopsisBryoriaBryoria