Biomonitoring of air pollution: a dichotomous key for lichen species identification

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5902/2179460X41851

Keywords:

Atmospheric pollution. Bioindicators. Lichen identification.

Abstract

Biomonitoring has been seen as complementary analysis to physicochemical methods and as a low-cost alternative, mainly for regions lacking air pollution control programs. Despite being the most widely used bioindicator for this type of pollution, lichens are not easily identified and this methodology is restricted to groups of expert researchers. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to analyze lichen diversity in urban and industrial areas, in order to elaborate a dichotomous key to identify the listed species, based on easily visualized features. Lichens with leaf stalks belonging to family Parmeliaceae and genus Parmotrema were the most abundant, which are known for their resistance to air pollution. The study sites generally presented low lichen diversity, which may also have been influenced by the degree of vegetation around them. This result reinforces the importance of green areas for mitigating air pollution in urban environment. The dichotomous key elaborated for the lichen species found aims to support research, environmental education and management activities, and may expand the use of lichens as air-quality bioindicators.

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Author Biographies

Marcela Chiari, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro

Departamento de Engenharia Ambiental. Graduanda em Engenharia Ambiental.

Ana Carolina Borella Marfil Anhê, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro

Departamento de Engenharia Ambiental. Bióloga, docente com experiência na área de Microbiologia e Saúde ambiental.

William Raimundo Costa, Prefeitura Municipal de Uberaba. Secretaria Municipal de Saúde.

Departamento de Vigilância Ambiental em Saúde. Biólogo, analista ambiental com experiência na área de monitoramento da qualidade do ar, da água e do solo.

Ana Paula Milla dos Santos Senhuk, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro

Departamento de Engenharia Ambiental. Bióloga, docente com experiência na área de Ecologia e Saúde ambiental.

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Published

2020-06-29 — Updated on 2022-04-26

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How to Cite

Chiari, M., Anhê, A. C. B. M., Costa, W. R., & Senhuk, A. P. M. dos S. (2022). Biomonitoring of air pollution: a dichotomous key for lichen species identification. Ciência E Natura, 42, e77. https://doi.org/10.5902/2179460X41851 (Original work published June 29, 2020)

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