A retrospective study using epiphytic lichens as biomonitors of air quality: 1980 and 1996 (Tuscany, central Italy)

Abstract The results of a retrospective study (data of 1980 and 1996) performed in the Chianti Region (Tuscany, central Italy) using epiphytic lichens both as sensitive indicators and accumulative monitors are presented. Floristic data, particularly the presence of numerous species known to be sensitive to air pollutants, indicated that air quality in the study area remained fairly good throughout this 16-year period, and may even have improved. Accumulation of trace elements in Parmelia caperata thalli collected in 1980 and 1996 supported this conclusion, with concentrations similar or even lower than those previously reported in other unpolluted areas of Tuscany. Most elements showed a marked decline from 1980 to 1996, suggesting that in the last years, the study area was subjected to a lower load of metal air pollution. Sulphur was the only element showing higher concentrations in 1996, probably due to the increased use of S-based pesticides in vineyards.

[1]  R. Bargagli,et al.  Lichen biomonitoring of trace elements in a geothermal area (central Italy) , 1996, Water, Air, and Soil Pollution.

[2]  David L. Hawksworth,et al.  Air Pollution and Lichens , 1973 .

[3]  S. Loppi,et al.  ANALYSIS OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF EPIPHYTIC LICHENS ON QUERCUS PUBESCENS ALONG AN ALTITUDINAL GRADIENT IN A MEDITERRANEAN AREA (TUSCANY, CENTRAL ITALY) , 1997 .

[4]  D. Hawksworth,et al.  Qualitative Scale for estimating Sulphur Dioxide Air Pollution in England and Wales using Epiphytic Lichens , 1970, Nature.

[5]  Barrie Goldsmith,et al.  Monitoring for Conservation and Ecology , 1990 .

[6]  D. Adriano.  Trace Elements in the Terrestrial Environment , 1986 .

[7]  J. Barkman.  Phytosociology and ecology of cryptogamic epiphytes , 1971 .

[8]  Paul A. Keddy,et al.  Biological monitoring and ecological prediction: from nature reserve management to national state of the environment indicators , 1991 .

[9]  S. Loppi,et al.  Lichen biomonitoring of trace metals in the Pistoia area (central northern Italy) , 1994, Environmental monitoring and assessment.

[10]  O. Hänninen,et al.  Bioindicators of Environmental Health , 1996 .

[11]  S. Loppi,et al.  Lichens as long-term biomonitors of air quality in central Italy , 1996 .

[12]  R. Bargagli,et al.  PASSIVE MONITORING OF TRACE ELEMENTS BY MEANS OF TREE LEAVES, EPIPHYTIC LICHENS AND BARK SUBSTRATE , 1997 .

[13]  R. Bargagli,et al.  Air pollution monitoring by lichens in a small medieval town of central Italy , 1997 .

[14]  O. Gilbert.  Field evidence for an acid rain effect on lichens , 1986 .