Content of heavy metals in thalli of the lichen Hypogymnia physodes: Sources of heterogeneity

Abstract

Size and reproductive traits of thalli of the epiphytic lichen Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. and concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Fe, Cd, Zn, Pb) in them were determined in the region of the Middle Ural Copper Smelting Plant, in two contrast zones of atmospheric pollution. The nonuniformity of populations in both size and reproductive traits and metal concentration was demonstrated. A high heterogeneity of subpopulations growing on different phorophytes was revealed. It is recommended to optimize data collection by taking samples from a larger number of trees (20–30) at a smaller number of thalli (10–20) from one phorophyte.