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Yang J, Oh SO, Hur JS. Lichen as Bioindicators: Assessing their Response to Heavy Metal Pollution in Their Native Ecosystem. MYCOBIOLOGY 2023; 51:343-353. [PMID: 37929008 PMCID: PMC10621259 DOI: 10.1080/12298093.2023.2265144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Lichens play crucial roles in the ecosystems, contributing to soil formation and nutrient cycling, and being used in biomonitoring efforts to assess the sustainability of ecosystems including air quality. Previous studies on heavy metal accumulation in lichens have mostly relied on manipulated environments, such as transplanted lichens, leaving us with a dearth of research on how lichens physiologically respond to heavy metal exposure in their natural habitats. To fill this knowledge gap, we investigated lichens from two of South Korea's geographically distant regions, Gangwon Province and Jeju Island, and examined whether difference in ambient heavy metal concentrations could be detected through physiological variables, including chlorophyll damage, lipid oxidation, and protein content. The physiological variables of lichens in response to heavy metals differed according to the collection area: Arsenic exerted a significant impact on chlorophyll degradation and protein content. The degree of fatty acid oxidation in lichens was associated with increased Cu concentrations. Our research highlights the value of lichens as a bioindicator, as we found that even small variations in ambient heavy metal concentrations can be detected in natural lichens. Furthermore, our study sheds light on which physiology variables that can be used as indicators of specific heavy metals, underscoring the potential of lichens for future ecology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiho Yang
- Korean Lichen Research Institute, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, South Korea
| | - Soon-Ok Oh
- Division of Forest Biodiversity, Korea National Arboretum, Pocheon, South Korea
| | - Jae-Seoun Hur
- Korean Lichen Research Institute, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, South Korea
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2
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da Silva BF, Pereira IMC, de Melo JC, Martins MCB, Barbosa MO, Silva AKO, de Siqueira WN, da Silva NH, de Oliveira AFM, Vicente C, Legaz ME, Pereira EC. Cladonia verticillaris (lichen) indicates negative impacts derived from the combustion of biodiesel blends: an alert for the environmental management for biofuels use. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:809. [PMID: 34783906 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09610-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The use of biodiesel blends with petroleum diesel in vehicular engines demands the evaluation of the possible impacts and effects of the gases emitted from their combustion on the environment. Among studies on these questions, biomonitoring using lichens is a viable alternative, given their interactions with the elements dispersed in the atmosphere, as well as its sensitivity and capacity to retain contaminants. In this study, we analyzed the effects of gas emissions from the combustion of biodiesel mixture with petroleum diesel on Cladonia verticillaris thalli. Samples of the lichen (10 g) were exposed to the gases emitted by the exhaust of the generator engine during the combustion process of biodiesel mixtures to petroleum diesel (7% (B7), 10% (B10), 40% (B40), 50% (B50), and 70% (B70)). At 90 days after exposure, samples were analyzed for n-alkane profiles, thallus morphology, photosynthetic pigment contents, and secondary lichen metabolites (protocetraric and fumarprotocetraric acids). Sets B7 and B10 showed better resistance of the lichen to pollutants. Set B40 showed a high stress evidenced by the chain elongation of n-alkanes structure and high chlorophyll production, presenting high morphological damages when compared to the control sets, B7 and B10. The results showed significant reductions of n-alkanes profiles for mixtures with high concentrations of biodiesel (B50 and B70), as well as decreases in the chlorophyll content. These groups showed an increase in the synthesis of secondary metabolites, corroborating the hypothesis that high concentrations of biodiesel in the mixture with petroleum diesel have greater impacts on the lichen. Schematic model for demonstration of using the lichen Cladonia verticillaris as biomonitor of effects from gas emissions from the combustion of biodiesel blends with petroleum diesel by a stationary engine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno F da Silva
- Post-Graduate Program in Applied Ecology, Center of Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. São Dimas, 303, 13.416-000, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Iwelton M C Pereira
- Collegiate of the Geography Degree Course, Universidade de Pernambuco, R. Cap. Pedro Rodrigues, 55.294-902, Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - James C de Melo
- Biofuels Division, Northeast Strategic Technologies Center (CETENE), Av. Prof. Luís Freire, 1, 50.740-545, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Mônica C B Martins
- Post-Graduate Program in Plant Biology, Department of Botany, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, 50.670-901, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Mariana O Barbosa
- Post-Graduate Program in Plant Biology, Department of Botany, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, 50.670-901, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Andrezza K O Silva
- Department of Geographical Sciences, Post-Graduate Program in Geography, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, 50.670-901, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Williams N de Siqueira
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, 50.670-901, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Nicácio H da Silva
- Post-Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Phisiology, Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, 50.670-901, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Antônio F M de Oliveira
- Post-Graduate Program in Plant Biology, Department of Botany, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, 50.670-901, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Carlos Vicente
- Department of Plant Physiology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Calle José Antonio Novais, 12, 28.040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria E Legaz
- Department of Plant Physiology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Calle José Antonio Novais, 12, 28.040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eugênia C Pereira
- Post-Graduate Program in Plant Biology, Department of Botany, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, 50.670-901, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Department of Geographical Sciences, Post-Graduate Program in Geography, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, 50.670-901, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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Wang CH, Hou R, Wang M, He G, Li BG, Pan RL. Effects of wet atmospheric nitrogen deposition on epiphytic lichens in the subtropical forests of Central China: Evaluation of the lichen food supply and quality of two endangered primates. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 190:110128. [PMID: 31891838 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.110128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, the threat posed to biodiversity and ecosystem function by atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition has been increasingly recognized. The disturbed nutrient balance and species composition of plants induced by higher N deposition can impact the biodiversity of the organisms that consume the plants. In this research, we implemented several experiments to estimate the effects of increased N deposition on the growth, survival, and nutrients of the dominant epiphytic lichens in the subtropical mountains in Central China to assess the lichen food amount and nutritional quality for two endangered primates endemic to China. Our results indicated that the thallus growth and propagule survival of the lichens were significantly decreased when nitrogen addition changed from 6.25 to 50.0 kg N·ha-1·y-1; it was also shown that lichen biomass could be decreased by 11.2%-70.2% when the deposition addition exceeded 6.25 kg N·ha-1·y-1. Further, our study revealed that increased nitrogen deposition also reduced the nutritional quality of the lichens via reducing the soluble protein and soluble sugar levels and increasing the fiber content, which would substantially affect the diet selection of the plants consumers in the region, particularly the populations of the two lichen-eating endangered primate species, Rhinopithecus roxellana and R. bieti. Our experimental study suggested that the nitrogen pollution derived from anthropogenic activities could cause cascading effects for the whole forest ecosystem of Central China; thus, more studies about nitrogen deposition in this region are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H Wang
- Engineering Research Centre of Eco-Environment in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Daxue Road 8th, Yichang, Hubei Province, 443002, PR China; Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Centre of Ecological Protection and Management in the Three Gorges Area, China Three Gorges University, Daxue Road 8th, Yichang, Hubei Province, 443002, PR China.
| | - R Hou
- Department of Anthropology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2T7, Canada; Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, PR China
| | - M Wang
- Engineering Research Centre of Eco-Environment in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Daxue Road 8th, Yichang, Hubei Province, 443002, PR China
| | - G He
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, PR China
| | - B G Li
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, PR China; Xi'an Branch of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710043, PR China
| | - R L Pan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, PR China; School of Human Sciences and Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
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Zou YN, Zhang F, Srivastava AK, Wu QS, Kuča K. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Regulate Polyamine Homeostasis in Roots of Trifoliate Orange for Improved Adaptation to Soil Moisture Deficit Stress. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:600792. [PMID: 33510746 PMCID: PMC7835339 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.600792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Soil arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) enhance the tolerance of plants against soil moisture deficit stress (SMDS), but the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. Polyamines (PAs) as low-molecular-weight, aliphatic polycations have strong roles in abiotic stress tolerance of plants. We aimed to investigate the effect of AMF (Funneliformis mosseae) inoculation on PAs, PA precursors, activities of PA synthases and degrading enzymes, and concentration of reactive oxygen species in the roots of trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) subjected to 15 days of SMDS. Leaf water potential and total chlorophyll levels were comparatively higher in AMF-inoculated than in non-AMF-treated plants exposed to SMDS. Mycorrhizal plants recorded a significantly higher concentration of precursors of PA synthesis such as L-ornithine, agmatine, and S-adenosyl methionine, besides higher putrescine and cadaverine and lower spermidine during the 15 days of SMDS. AMF colonization raised the PA synthase (arginine decarboxylase, ornithine decarboxylase, spermidine synthase, and spermine synthase) activities and PA-degrading enzymes (copper-containing diamine oxidase and FAD-containing polyamine oxidase) in response to SMDS. However, mycorrhizal plants showed a relatively lower degree of membrane lipid peroxidation, superoxide anion free radical, and hydrogen peroxide than non-mycorrhizal plants, whereas the difference between them increased linearly up to 15 days of SMDS. Our study concluded that AMF regulated PA homeostasis in roots of trifoliate orange to tolerate SMDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ning Zou
- College of Horticulture and Gardening, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Fei Zhang
- College of Horticulture and Gardening, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | | | - Qiang-Sheng Wu
- College of Horticulture and Gardening, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Qiang-Sheng Wu,
| | - Kamil Kuča
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
- Kamil Kuča.
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Wang M, Wang C, Jia R. The impact of nitrogen deposition on photobiont-mycobiont balance of epiphytic lichens in subtropical forests of central China. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:13468-13476. [PMID: 31871658 PMCID: PMC6912883 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive nitrogen (N) deposition can impact lichen diversity in forest ecosystems, and this is a particular situation in China. Here, we examined the N uptake, assimilation, and the impact of excessive N deposition on the symbiotic balance of dominant epiphytic lichens in the subtropical forests in the Mts. Shennongjia of central China. The results show that lichen species took up, assimilated and utilized more ammonium than nitrate in a species-specific way, following the increase of N availability. The photobiont of the lichens decreased with the increase of N concentration following an initial increase, while the mycobiont response to the N addition was not apparent. Considerable variation in response to excessive N deposition exists among the lichen species. Usnea longissima could regulate its N uptake, resulting in a stable photobiont-mycobiont ratio among N treatments. In contrast, the photobiont-mycobiont ratio of other four lichens increased initially but decreased when N concentration exceeded a certain level, and N stress may have broken the balance between photobiont and mycobiont of these lichens. Our results suggest that most epiphytic lichens in subtropical forest of central China could uptake and assimilate more ammonium than nitrate and that the balance between photobiont and mycobiont of many epiphytic lichens might change with the increasing N deposition load, which could impact the lichen diversity of this forest ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Eco‐environment in Three Gorges Reservoir RegionMinistry of EducationChina Three Gorges UniversityYichangChina
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Center of Ecological Protection and Management in the Three Gorges AreaChina Three Gorges UniversityYichangChina
| | - Chuanhua Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Eco‐environment in Three Gorges Reservoir RegionMinistry of EducationChina Three Gorges UniversityYichangChina
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Center of Ecological Protection and Management in the Three Gorges AreaChina Three Gorges UniversityYichangChina
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6
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Munzi S, Branquinho C, Cruz C, Máguas C, Leith ID, Sheppard LJ, Sutton MA. δ 15N of lichens reflects the isotopic signature of ammonia source. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 653:698-704. [PMID: 30759595 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Although it is generally accepted that δ15N in lichen reflects predominating N isotope sources in the environment, confirmation of the direct correlation between lichen δ15N and atmospheric δ15N is still missing, especially under field conditions with most confounding factors controlled. To fill this gap and investigate the response of lichens with different tolerance to atmospheric N deposition, thalli of the sensitive Evernia prunastri and the tolerant Xanthoria parietina were exposed for ten weeks to different forms and doses of N in a field manipulation experiment where confounding factors were minimized. During this period, several parameters, namely total N, δ15N and chlorophyll a fluorescence, were measured. Under the experimental conditions, δ15N in lichens quantitatively responded to the δ15N of released gaseous ammonia (NH3). Although a high correlation between the isotopic signatures in lichen tissue and supplied N was found both in tolerant and sensitive species, chlorophyll a fluorescence indicated that the sensitive species very soon lost its photosynthetic functionality with increasing N availability. The most damaging response to the different N chemical forms was observed with dry deposition of NH3, although wet deposition of ammonium ions had a significant observable physiological impact. Conversely, there was no significant effect of nitrate ions on chlorophyll a fluorescence, implying differential sensitivity to dry deposition versus wet deposition and to ammonium versus nitrate in wet deposition. Evernia prunastri was most sensitive to NH3, then NH4+, with lowest sensitivity to NO3-. Moreover, these results confirm that lichen δ15N can be used to indicate the δ15N of atmospheric ammonia, providing a suitable tool for the interpretation of the spatial distribution of NH3 sources in relation to their δ15N signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Munzi
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - C Branquinho
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - C Cruz
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - C Máguas
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - I D Leith
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik EH26 0QB, UK
| | - L J Sheppard
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik EH26 0QB, UK
| | - M A Sutton
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik EH26 0QB, UK
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Wang CH, Wang M, Jia RZ, Guo H. Thalli Growth, Propagule Survival, and Integrated Physiological Response to Nitrogen Stress of Ramalina calicaris var. japonica in Shennongjia Mountain (China). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:568. [PMID: 29868046 PMCID: PMC5953340 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.00568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, effects of nitrogen (N) availability on growth, survival of Ramalina calicaris var. japonica, and whether it respond nitrogen stress in an integrated physiological way was evaluated. Thalli growth and propagule survival, thalli N and phosphorus (P) content, and activity of phosphomonoesterase (PME) of R. calicaris var. japonica were determined in a field experiment. Its differentiate adsorption in ammonia and nitrate, the activity of glutamine synthetase (GSA) and nitrate reductase (NRA) also were investigated in a series of indoor experiments. The results showed that N deposition significantly decreased the growth and survival of this lichen, and the N sensitivity threshold was suggested at 6.0 kg N⋅ha-1⋅y-1. When the N deposition increased from 8.59 kg N⋅ha-1⋅y-1 to 14.24, 20.49, 32.99 and 57.99 kg N⋅ha-1⋅y-1, the growth rates of lichen thalli decreased by 26.47, 39.01, 52.18 and 60.3%, respectively; Whereas the survival rate of the lichen propagules decreased from 92.8% of control (0.0 kg N⋅ha-1⋅y-1) to 10.7% of 50.0 kg N⋅ha-1⋅y-1, when they were treated with 0.00, 6.25, 12.5, 25.0, and 50.0 kg N⋅ha-1⋅y-1 deposition. Compared with an adequate adsorption of ammonium N, no nitrate adsorption occurred when thalli was submerged in solution lower than 0.4 mM. Our results also suggested that thalli total nitrogen, N:P ratio increased with N availability, and the activity of PME was significantly correlated with thalli total nitrogen. These all indicated that phosphorus limitation occurred when R. calicaris var. japonica treated with higher nitrogen deposition. Compared with slightly effects of NRA, GSA of R. calicaris var. japonica responded nitrogen availability significantly; In addition, GSA and NRA negatively correlated with thalli growth rate and propagule survival significantly. These results indicated that nitrogen stress do decrease growth and survival of R. calicaris var. japonica, and lichen would be impacted by excess nitrogen in a integrated, not a fragmentary way, including nitrogen uptake, assimilation, even nutrient balance of nitrogen and phosphorous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Hua Wang
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Center of Ecological Protection and Management in the Three Gorges Area, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Center of Ecological Protection and Management in the Three Gorges Area, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Rao-Zhen Jia
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Center of Ecological Protection and Management in the Three Gorges Area, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Hua Guo
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Center of Ecological Protection and Management in the Three Gorges Area, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
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Králiková I, Goga M, Biľová I, Bačkorová M, Bačkor M. Response of lichens Cladonia arbuscula subsp. mitis and Cladonia furcata to nitrogen excess. Biologia (Bratisl) 2016. [DOI: 10.1515/biolog-2016-0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Paoli L, Maslaňáková I, Grassi A, Bačkor M, Loppi S. Effects of acute NH3 air pollution on N-sensitive and N-tolerant lichen species. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2015; 122:377-383. [PMID: 26342688 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2015.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Lichens are sensitive to the presence of ammonia (NH3) in the environment. However, in order to use them as reliable indicators in biomonitoring studies, it is necessary to establish unequivocally the occurrence of certain symptoms following the exposure to NH3 in the environment. In this paper, we simulated an episode of acute air pollution due to the release of NH3. The biological effects of acute air pollution by atmospheric NH3 have been investigated using N-sensitive (Flavoparmelia caperata) and N-tolerant (Xanthoria parietina) species. Lichen samples were exposed to ecologically relevant NH3 concentrations for 8 weeks, simulating three areas of impact: a control area (2 μg/m(3)), an area of intermediate impact (2-35 μg/m(3)) and an area of high impact (10-315 μg/m(3)), with a peak of pollution reached between the fourth and fifth week. Ammonia affected both the photobiont and the mycobiont in F. caperata, while in X. parietina only the photosynthetic performance of the photobiont was altered after exposure to the highest concentration. In the photobiont of F. caperata we recorded chlorophyll degradation as indicated by OD435/415 ratio, decrease of the photosynthetic performance (as reflected by the maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry FV/FM and the performance index PIABS); in the mycobiont, ergosterol reduction, membrane lipid peroxidation (as reflected by the increase of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), alteration (decrease) of the secondary metabolite usnic acid. No effects were detected on caperatic acid and dehydrogenase activity. In X. parietina, the only signal determined by NH3 was the alteration of FV/FM and the performance index PIABS. The results suggest that physiological parameters in N-sensitive lichens well reflect the effects of NH3 exposure and can be applied as early indicators in monitoring studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Paoli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, via P.A. Mattioli 4, I-53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Ivana Maslaňáková
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biology and Ecology, P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, Mánesova 23, SK-04001 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Alice Grassi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, via P.A. Mattioli 4, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Martin Bačkor
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biology and Ecology, P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, Mánesova 23, SK-04001 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Stefano Loppi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, via P.A. Mattioli 4, I-53100 Siena, Italy
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Langmann U, Madl P, Türk R, Hofmann W, Brunauer G. Sensitivity of Lichens to Diesel Exhaust under Laboratory Conditions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.4236/jep.2014.513127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Munzi S, Branquinho C, Cruz C, Loppi S. Nitrogen tolerance in the lichen Xanthoria parietina: the sensitive side of a resistant species. FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY : FPB 2013; 40:237-243. [PMID: 32481103 DOI: 10.1071/fp12127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the mechanisms of nitrogen (N) tolerance in lichens, we examined the physiological responses to increased N availability in different functional groups. Thalli of the nitrophytic Xanthoria parietina (L.) Th.Fr. previously grown both in an N-poor environment (~2kgNha-1year-1) and in an N-rich environment (~52kgNha-1year-1) were compared with the oligotrophic species Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. and Usnea sp. Lichens were submitted to ammonium treatments. Maximum PSII efficiency, redistribution of the ions between the intra- and extracellular compartments and potassium and magnesium concentrations were the parameters used to check for the effects of N supply. The buffering capacity of the lichen extracts was also determined in untreated lichen thalli to check if different lichen behaviours were due to their ability to maintain the pH. The results showed a more similar response between X. parietina from the N-poor environment and the N-sensitive species than between X. parietina from the N-poor and N-rich environments, suggesting that X. parietina achieved N-tolerance after long-term exposure to N-rich environment. These results are important in understanding the effects of chronic ammonium pollution on one of the most sensitive components of the ecosystem, linking physiological response and ecological consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Munzi
- Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, Centro de Biologia Ambiental, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cristina Branquinho
- Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, Centro de Biologia Ambiental, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cristina Cruz
- Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, Centro de Biologia Ambiental, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Stefano Loppi
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Siena, via P. Mattioli 4, I-53100 Siena, Italy
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12
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Paoli L, Pisani T, Guttová A, Sardella G, Loppi S. Physiological and chemical response of lichens transplanted in and around an industrial area of south Italy: relationship with the lichen diversity. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2011; 74:650-657. [PMID: 21251715 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2010.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2010] [Revised: 09/28/2010] [Accepted: 10/03/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The lichen Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. has been exposed for 3 months in and around an industrial area of Mediterranean Italy for monitoring physiological (photosynthetic efficiency, membrane lipids peroxidation and cell membrane integrity) and chemical (bioaccumulation of the heavy metals Cr, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) effects and investigate the consistency with the environmental quality status depicted by the diversity of epiphytic lichens (index of lichen diversity (ILD)). The results showed that thalli transplanted close to the industrial area exhibited early stress symptoms, as revealed by the increase in electrical conductivity indicating a damage endured by lichen cell membranes. The electrical conductivity was inversely correlated with the diversity of epiphytic lichens recorded at the same sites. The ILD negatively correlated also with membrane lipid peroxidation and the rate of accumulation of Pb, V and Zn. Reciprocal correlations found among trace elements pinpointed vehicular traffic and metal processing in the industrial area as main sources. The damage endured by cell membranes was the best physiological indicator consistent with the air quality status depicted by the diversity of epiphytic lichens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Paoli
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Siena, via Mattioli 4, I-53100 Siena, Italy.
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13
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Munzi S, Loppi S, Cruz C, Branquinho C. Do lichens have "memory" of their native nitrogen environment? PLANTA 2011; 233:333-342. [PMID: 21053009 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-010-1300-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2010] [Accepted: 10/13/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to deepen the knowledge about intraspecific mechanisms regulating nitrogen tolerance in lichens to wet nitrogen deposition. Thalli of the nitrophilous lichen Xanthoria parietina were collected from environments with different nitrogen availabilities and immersed in 80 mL of ammonium sulphate (NH₄)₂SO₄ solutions with distinct concentrations (0, 0.025, 0.05 and 0.25 M) for 5 h per day during 3 days in a week. After each soaking event, lichens were air dried. After each treatment, maximal PSII efficiency, localization of ammonium ions, concentrations of K+ and Mg²+ and thalli buffer capacity were determined. Our results show that lichens are marked by their native nitrogen environment, since there were important differences between the physiological responses of X. parietina thalli previously grown in an area with high nitrogen deposition (nitrogen emissions of ca. 13,000 t/year) and those previously grown in an unpolluted area (nitrogen emissions of ca. 500 t/year). Greater N availability seems to enable X. parietina to cope better with the effects of nitrogen pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Munzi
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Siena, via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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14
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Munzi S, Pisani T, Paoli L, Loppi S. Time- and dose-dependency of the effects of nitrogen pollution on lichens. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2010; 73:1785-1788. [PMID: 20709396 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2010.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2010] [Revised: 07/19/2010] [Accepted: 07/25/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The present work aims at testing if exposure time and dose play a role in the response of lichen species to nitrogen (N) pollution. To this purpose, samples of the N-sensitive Evernia prunastri and the N-tolerant Xanthoria parietina were treated for 5 weeks either with solutions of NH(4)NO(3) 0.05 and 1 M, or (NH(4))(2)SO(4) 0.025 and 0.5 M. Photosynthetic efficiency was measured as an indicator of sample vitality. The results showed that the lowest concentrations were ineffective at the beginning, but after several supplies both compounds inhibited photosynthetic activity of E. prunastri. The highest concentrations had a deleterious effect, but with a temporal trend. For X. parietina no effect was found for the lowest concentrations, while the same trend shown by E. prunastri was instead observed following treatments with the highest concentrations. It was concluded that the response of lichens to N supply is not only species-specific, but also time- and dose-dependent. The results give a clue on field studies on the relationships between lichens and N pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Munzi
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Siena, via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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15
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Hauck M. Ammonium and nitrate tolerance in lichens. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2010; 158:1127-1133. [PMID: 20096494 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2009.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2009] [Revised: 11/21/2009] [Accepted: 12/22/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Since lichens lack roots and take up water, solutes and gases over the entire thallus surface, these organisms respond more sensitively to changes in atmospheric purity than vascular plants. After centuries where effects of sulphur dioxide and acidity were in the focus of research on atmospheric chemistry and lichens, recently the globally increased levels of ammonia and nitrate increasingly affect lichen vegetation and gave rise to intense research on the tolerance of lichens to nitrogen pollution. The present paper discusses the main findings on the uptake of ammonia and nitrate in the lichen symbiosis and to the tolerance of lichens to eutrophication. Ammonia and nitrate are both efficiently taken up under ambient conditions. The tolerance to high nitrogen levels depends, among others, on the capability of the photobiont to provide sufficient amounts of carbon skeletons for ammonia assimilation. Lowly productive lichens are apparently predisposed to be sensitive to excess nitrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Hauck
- Department of Plant Ecology, Albrecht von Haller Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Göttingen, Untere Karspüle 2, 37073 Göttingen, Germany.
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Munzi S, Pisani T, Loppi S. The integrity of lichen cell membrane as a suitable parameter for monitoring biological effects of acute nitrogen pollution. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2009; 72:2009-2012. [PMID: 19473705 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2009.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2008] [Revised: 03/18/2009] [Accepted: 05/01/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed at testing the suitability of cell membrane integrity in the lichen Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. as sensitive indicator of nitrogen (N) stress, to set up a rapid and effective method for monitoring biological effects of acute N pollution. Lichen samples were incubated in solutions of potassium nitrate, ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulphate at different concentrations, and cell membrane damage, expressed in terms of increased electrolyte leakage, was measured after 0, 24, 48 and 96 h. Cell membrane damage was observed in E. prunastri in the presence of high or very high N concentrations, irrespective of the compound supplied. Since the mycobiont represents the large majority of a lichen biomass, it is reasonable to assume that ion leakage mainly occurred from fungal cells. Although in biomonitoring studies the photobiont is usually regarded as the most sensitive partner of the lichen symbiosis, our findings suggest that the mycobiont is most affected in the case of N-excess, and that this feature can be used as suitable indicator of acute N stress episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Munzi
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Siena, via P.A. Mattioli 4, I-53100 Siena, Italy.
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