Using of epiphytic lichens for bioindication of air pollution in Vranje

Abstract

Epiphytic lichens were used dor bioindication of air pollution in the city of Vranje for the first time. In 43 investigated places, the authors established the presence of 38 lichen taxa from 20 genera. By calculating the index of atmospheric purity (IAP), they established three zones with different air pollution levels (a "lichen desert zone", a "transitional zone", and a "normal zone") and two subzones (a "narrow transitional zone", and a "wider transitional zone"). The species Melanelia exasperatula, M. glabra, Lecanora allophana, Lecidella elaechroma, Ochrolechia sp, Ramalina sp., and Parmelina quercina were established as the most sensitive. On the other hand, Phaeophyscia orbicularis, Xanthoria parietina, and Parmelia sulcata were the most tolerant.