Analysis of air pollution
using lichens
Lichens
• Lichens are composite organisms consisting of
a symbiotic association of a fungus with a
photosynthetic partner , usually green algae
• Many lichen are sensitive to changes around
them. For this reason, they are bioindicators
of clean air.
• Traditionally three broad categories of lichen
have been recognized:
• crustose (crusty)
• foliose (leafy)
• fruticose (shrubby)
Analysis of air quality in Slovenj
Gradec
According to level of pollution, there are 5
lichenbelts : A – very clean air
B – clean air
C – less clean air
D – occasionally polluted air
E – very pollutant air
Center of SG:
25 years ago - D belt (occasionally
polluted air)
today – C belt (less clean air)
Area around SG: 25 years ago – B belt (clean air)
today – C belt (less clean air)
LYCHEN MAP OF SLOVENIA
Major pollutants
25 years ago: Coal, thermal power plant Šoštanj,
mine Mežica
• Today: transportation, factories, industry…