Effects of natural environmental factors on δ¹³C of lichens^§

Abstract

This preliminary study was designed to determine the extent to which the carbon isotope ratio in four species of lichens was influenced by such features as humidity, rainfall, radioactivity, and air quality. The sampling sites were selected to be at a great distance from any pollution. At the time of sampling, field data (temperature, relative humidity, average monthly precipitation, and radioactivity) were recorded. delta(13)C in whole lichen specimens were determined using standard mass spectrometric techniques with a standard deviation of+/-0.3 per thousand. We have found a weak but negative correlation between delta(13)C and relative humidity, and a positive correlation between delta(13)C and average monthly precipitation at the studied sites. The effects were minor, of the order of 1.5 per thousand for all the lichens. We have examined the correlation between (137)Cs activity concentration of the studied lichens and delta(13)C of these lichens, and we have suggested that fixation of radiocesium does not alter photosynthesis rate. There was a delta(13)C variation with the altitude gradient with less negative delta(13)C values at higher altitude. It is possible that this difference is caused by the ozone and occurred at the high elevations.

Nitrogen and carbon isotope variability in the green‐algal lichen Xanthoria parietina and their implications on mycobiont–photobiont interactions

“…In contrast, Cuna et al. () found a weak positive correlation between δ 13 C values of lichens ( Cladonia fimbriata (L.) Fr. and Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf) and monthly precipitation sums, but a negative correlation with relative humidity.…”

Carbon, Nitrogen and Sulphur concentration and δ13C, δ15N values in Hypogymnia physodes within the montane area – preliminary data

“…The p-value (significance level) was at 0.05, as is the norm in environmental studies. According to other studies carried out by Cuna et al (2007) and Biazrov (2012a, b), it was expected that there would be significant correlation between height and other factors such as δ 13 C or δ 15 N. Nevertheless, the correlation is insignificant (Table 3). Also, Biazrov (2012a, b) found a relation between height and %C, as well as %N.…”

“…The isotopic concentration of carbon (δ 13 C) and nitrogen (δ 15 N) were determined using EA-IRMS (Sercon). The results of δ 13 C and δ 15 N values were presented relative to the international standards -PDB (Pee Dee Belemnite) and atmospheric air (N2-Air) respectively, where the δ 13 CPDB and δ 15 NAir isotopic signature was defined as the relative difference between the isotope ratio of the sample and that of the standard. The results were reported in parts per thousand (‰).…”

Stable nitrogen isotopes (d15N) in thalli of arid vagrant lichen Xanthoparmelia camtschadalis across an altitudinal gradient of the Khangai Plateau of Mongolia

“…The sample material was collected by the author in the Khangai Plateau (Mongolia) during the research car ried out while on a Joint Soviet-Mongolian Complex Biological Expedition of the USSR Academy of Sci ences and Mongolian Academy of Sciences (Table 1). Collection material for the measurement of the stable isotope ratio in lichen OM has been repeatedly used before [28][29][30].…”