Untersuchungen zum Stoffwechsel der Flechte Parmelia sulcata Taylor im Zusammenhang mit dem Grad der Luftverschmutzung

Abstract

Important physiological processes as well as the content of certain cell components were measured in samples of the relatively pollution-resistant lichen species PARMELIA SULCATA TAYLOR at 13 locations with different levels of air pollution in the city of Biel. Surprisingly, there was no difference in the activities of either photosynthesis or dark respiration at the various Stations. There were significant differences in growth rates, transfer of photosynthates from algae to fungi, chlorophyll content, sulfate content, sulfate uptake and protein synthesis, however. Statistical analysis of these measurements showed a definite correlation with deposition measurements of several important air pollutants as well as with the index of atmospheric purity (IAP) determined on the basis of lichen frequencies. The effect of air pollution on the chlorophyll content was studied in detail. Because of the pronounced differences in chlorophyll content found under various conditions, the simple method of measuring it, and the small standard deviation, chlorophyll content is a suitable bioindicator for approximate determination of overall atmospheric pollution.