Features of Heavy Metal Accumulation by Epiphytic Lichens in Background Areas of the Taiga Zone in the European Northwest of Russia

Abstract

The results of a study of the content of heavy metals in fruticose epiphytic lichens in the taiga zone of the European Northeast of Russia (Republic of Komi) are presented. The content of elements in lichens in this area is at the background level for the northern part of Eurasia. A series of accumulated heavy metals in lichen have been established. Metal distribution mapping has made it possible to differentiate areas with respect to the level of their accumulation. The accumulation of mercury by lichen increases and the contents of manganese, coper, and cadmium decreases from the southwest to the northeast.