Response of lichens to heavy metal and SO₂pollution in Poland – an overview

Abstract

Epiphytic lichen Hypogymnia physodes (L) Nyl. from the natural environment and transplanted was used for ten years (1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006) to estimate air contamination in Poland. Lichens from natural environment were collected from the Base Station of the Integrated Nature Monitoring System and from Polish National Parks. Transplantation was carried out in Cracow city, small forest sites near Cracow conurbation and industrial areas in the Małopolska district. Hypogymnia physodes showed the changes in air pollution in Poland but also confirmed the presence of some areas still being contaminated. They are located near heavy industry, near large cities like Cracow and also in some areas located far from industrial sources.