engleski

Lichens Flavoparmelia caperata and Parmelia sulcata – bioindicators of oil refinery air pollution in Slavonski Brod, Croatia

Using lichens as bioindicators provides a superior spatial resolution and a multi-pollutant/multi-effect approach compared to existing data(bases) used for air quality modelling. The city of Slavonski Brod is the most polluted site in Croatia due to air pollution from the oil refinery situated across the border in Bosnia and Hercegovina. Reports from monitoring stations indicate high content of sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, fine particles (PM2.5), etc. In this study, two lichens, Flavoparmelia caperata and Parmelia sulcata, were collected at 20 sites in 20 km radius from the refinery, to investigate its effect on air quality. Quantum yield of photosynthesis, chlorophylls, carotenoids, nitrogen and sulphur content were evaluated in the collected samples. Investigated lichens were not found at two sites closest to the refinery, confirming the strong effect of industrial pollution. Significant differences among measured parameters were detected between lichens collected at different sites. Generally, highest values were recorded at sites within the city, which are also closest to the refinery, while the lowest were recorded in forests outside the city. Further investigations, which include measuring heavy metal content and secondary metabolites and utilisation of transplants, are planned on the same sites to enhance our knowledge of using lichens as bioindicators.

lichens; bioindicators; air polution; photosynthesis; nitrogen; sulfur

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