Air quality evaluation of the factory AB "Achema" environment using two methods: passive lichenoindication and lichens bioaccumulation

Abstract

Air pollution remains one of the most important environmental problems inherent not only for urban but also for surrounding areas of industrial facilities. Recently the use of bioindicative methods is increasing worldwide and allows monitoring and evaluating complex negative environmental impact of known and unknown factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate air quality in the area surrounding the biggest producer of industrial chemical products in the Baltic States – AB “Achema” by means of passive lichenoindication and lichens bioaccumulation methods. The abundance of epiphytic lichen species, factor characterizing the condition of lichen community (index of poleotolerance PI) and nitrogen concentration in lichens were investigated at six study sites: control zone, factory premises (0-5 km), and study sites at 11-17 km, 17-23 km, 23-30 km away from the factory. The study site at 11-17 km away from the factory is characterized by the greatest diversity of species of lichen (n=5.1), the lowest diversity was established at control point (n=3.6). The highest projection coverage is in the premises of AB “Achema” (64%), the lowest coverage was established in the zone of 23-30 km away from the factory (21%). The premises of the factory have the highest PI (7.1) and the lowest PI was in the control zone (5.8). The correlation analysis revealed that the abundance of species, lichen coverage and poleotolerance index were related with the concentrations of accumulated nitrogen.