Bioindication of air pollution in Niš by using epiphytic lichens

Abstract

Bioindication of air pollution in the city of Niš, by using epiphytic lichens, was performed for the first time in 1992. In this paper the authors present the results of repeated investigations in 2002, by using new, modern method, and their comparison with the former investigations. In repeated investigations, on 59 investigated spots, the authors established the presence of 42 lichen taxa, 3 zones with different air pollution level ("lichens desert", "transitional zone" and "normal zone") and two subzones ("narrow transitional zone" and "wider transitional zone"), as well. As the most sensitive, some Melanelia-species (M. elegantula, M. exasperata, M. glabra), Evernia prunastr and Flavoparmelia caperata, were established while on the other hand, Phaeophyscia orbicularis, Physcia adscendens, Ph. stellaris and Lecanora argentata were the most tolerant.