Physiological effects of urban pollution in the transplanted lichen Evernia prunastri

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in physiological parameters under the urban environment pollution. Samples of epiphytic lichen Evernia prunastri were transplanted from unpolluted environment to urban environment (Kaunas, Lithuania). To determine the urban environmental impact on lichen the following parameters were determined: production of malondialdehyde, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b. The concentrations of MDA were significantly higher in the polluted areas. The enhancement of MDA concentrations were 25% in the city center (0.97 mol g-1 FW). It was concluded that pollution induced oxidative stress in the transplanted lichen. The chlorophyll a and b content increased from the unpolluted control zone and city parks to the city center and heavy traffic zones. The highest chlorophyll concentrations (2 mg g-1 DW) were determined in city parks (Kleboniškis, Panemunė). The study results confirm the fact that the epiphytic lichen Evernia prunastri is a good bioindicator for the assessment atmospheric quality. Also a oxidative stress parameter as malondialdehyde concentration in our study is an early signal for the environmental quality evaluation.