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Styburski J, Skubała K. Do urban air pollutants induce changes in the thallus anatomy and affect the photosynthetic efficiency of the nitrophilous lichen Physcia adscendens? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:112336-112346. [PMID: 37831253 PMCID: PMC10643396 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30194-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Lichens are symbiotic organisms that are generally sensitive to air pollution due to their specific biological and physiological features. Physcia adscendens is a nitrophilous lichen well-known for being resistant to air pollution associated with progressive anthropopressure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nitrogen oxides and suspended particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) on anatomical structure of the thallus and photobiont's photosynthetic efficiency in P. adscendens inhabiting sites that differ in terms of air pollution level and thereby to determine the relevance of these pollutants for shaping the structure of the thallus and the physiological condition of the photosynthetic partner. We found that P. adscendens from polluted sites had increased thickness of the algal layer and the larger size of the algae cells, but a much lower ratio of the algal layer to the whole thallus. Lichens from highly polluted sites had also higher photosynthetic efficiency, which indicates a relatively good physiological condition of the photobiont. This indicates that the photobiont of P. adscendens is well-adapted to function under air pollution stress which may contribute to its success in colonizing polluted sites. Both changes in the anatomy of the lichen thallus and the efficiency of photosynthesis may be related to the enrichment of the environment with nitrogen. The increased photosynthetic efficiency as well as investment in the size of photobiont cells and growth mycobiont hyphae confirms that P. adscendens is well-adapted to urban conditions; however, the mechanism behind those adaptations needs more focus in the context of global environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Styburski
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Kaja Skubała
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
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2
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Chowaniec K, Żukowska-Trebunia A, Rola K. Combined effect of acute salt and nitrogen stress on the physiology of lichen symbiotic partners. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:28192-28205. [PMID: 36399301 PMCID: PMC9995433 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24115-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen pollution and excessive salinity are commonly regarded as one of the major environmental concerns in recent decades in many urban environments. Although in urban areas lichens are exposed to both salt and nitrogen stress, no studies have been conducted to date on the simultaneous impact and interaction of these factors on lichen physiology. The aim was to determine the effect of various combinations of NaCl and NH4NO3 doses on the physiology of epigeic lichen Cladonia rei. We also aimed to compare the response of lichens collected from polluted and unpolluted sites to verify whether lichens exposed to different levels of environmental stress in their native environment will react differently. The combined salt-nitrogen treatment caused significant disturbances in the integrity of cell membranes and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. The most detrimental effect concerned the loss of cell membrane integrity, which suggests that this parameter can serve as a relevant indicator of acute salt-nitrogen stress incidents. Salt stress decreased the photosynthetic efficiency 1 h after exposure, but after 72 h, the FV/FM returned to the level characteristic of healthy lichens in experimental groups without and with small doses of ammonium nitrate. In contrast, recovery was not possible in combination with high nitrogen doses. This indicates that exposure to short-term salt stress in a nitrogen-poor environment only causes a temporary reduction in photosynthetic efficiency, but in urban eutrophic environments may have more serious consequences. The weakened physiological condition of the mycobiont manifested by an increased level of cell membrane damage and a persistent decrease in the photosynthetic efficiency of the photobiont in lichens growing along the roads may indicate an excess of nitrogen in the environment, enhanced by the effect of salt. Lichens collected from a heavy-metal-polluted habitat responded more strongly than those from an unpolluted habitat suggesting that in lichens previously affected by certain harmful factors, exposure to another stress factor may lead to greater disturbances. This is of particular importance for lichens inhabiting the vicinity of roads, since they are also under the influence of other pollutants emitted by road traffic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Chowaniec
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Żukowska-Trebunia
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Kaja Rola
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
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Sebald V, Goss A, Ramm E, Gerasimova JV, Werth S. NO 2 air pollution drives species composition, but tree traits drive species diversity of urban epiphytic lichen communities. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 308:119678. [PMID: 35753543 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Lichens serve as important bioindicators of air pollution in cities. Here, we studied the diversity of epiphytic lichens in the urban area of Munich, Bavaria, southern Germany, to determine which factors influence species composition and diversity. Lichen diversity was quantified in altogether 18 plots and within each, five deciduous trees were investigated belonging to on average three tree species (range 1-5). Of the 18 plots, two were sampled in control areas in remote areas of southern Germany. For each lichen species, frequency of occurrence was determined in 10 quadrats of 100 cm2 on the tree trunk. Moreover, the cover percentage of bryophytes was determined and used as a variable to represent potential biotic competition. We related our diversity data (species richness, Shannon index, evenness, abundance) to various environmental variables including tree traits, i.e. bark pH levels and species affiliation and air pollution data, i.e. NO2 and SO2 concentrations measured in the study plots. The SO2 levels measured in our study were generally very low, while NO2 levels were rather high in some plots. We found that the species composition of the epiphytic lichen communities was driven mainly by NO2 pollution levels and all of the most common species in our study were nitrophilous lichens. Low NO2 but high SO2 values were associated with high lichen evenness. Tree-level lichen diversity and abundance were mainly determined by tree traits, not air pollution. These results confirm that ongoing NO2 air pollution within cities is a major threat to lichen diversity, with non-nitrophilous lichens likely experiencing the greatest risk of local extinctions in urban areas in the future. Our study moreover highlights the importance of large urban green spaces for species diversity. City planners need to include large green spaces when designing urban areas, both to improve biodiversity and to promote human health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Sebald
- Systematics and Ecology of Fungi and Algae, LMU Munich, Menzingerstraße 67, 80638 Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Goss
- Systematics and Ecology of Fungi and Algae, LMU Munich, Menzingerstraße 67, 80638 Munich, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Ramm
- Systematics and Ecology of Fungi and Algae, LMU Munich, Menzingerstraße 67, 80638 Munich, Germany
| | - Julia V Gerasimova
- Systematics and Ecology of Fungi and Algae, LMU Munich, Menzingerstraße 67, 80638 Munich, Germany
| | - Silke Werth
- Systematics and Ecology of Fungi and Algae, LMU Munich, Menzingerstraße 67, 80638 Munich, Germany.
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Resilience of Epiphytic Lichens to Combined Effects of Increasing Nitrogen and Solar Radiation. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7050333. [PMID: 33926031 PMCID: PMC8145261 DOI: 10.3390/jof7050333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Lichens are classified into different functional groups depending on their ecological and physiological response to a given environmental stressor. However, knowledge on lichen response to the synergistic effect of multiple environmental factors is extremely scarce, although vital to get a comprehensive understanding of the effects of global change. We exposed six lichen species belonging to different functional groups to the combined effects of two nitrogen (N) doses and direct sunlight involving both high temperatures and ultraviolet (UV) radiation for 58 days. Irrespective of their functional group, all species showed a homogenous response to N with cumulative, detrimental effects and an inability to recover following sunlight, UV exposure. Moreover, solar radiation made a tolerant species more prone to N pollution’s effects. Our results draw attention to the combined effects of global change and other environmental drivers on canopy defoliation and tree death, with consequences for the protection of ecosystems.
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Fačkovcová Z, Vannini A, Monaci F, Grattacaso M, Paoli L, Loppi S. Effects of wood distillate (pyroligneous acid) on sensitive bioindicators (lichen and moss). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 204:111117. [PMID: 32798753 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Wood distillate (pyroligneous acid) can be successfully applied in agriculture to increase crop quality and productivity with a lower risk for the environment respect to synthetic chemical herbicides, pesticides or fertilizers. However, the effects of wood distillate on the environment and biota are still under investigation, depending on biological attributes of potentially influenced organisms. The potential toxicological effects of wood distillate on sensitive non-target organisms, lichens and mosses, are studied for the first time. The physiological parameters (chlorophyll a fluorescence emission FV/FM and PI(ABS), chlorophyll content, spectral reflectance, antioxidant power, and dehydrogenase activity) and eventual bioaccumulation of selected elements (As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn) were investigated in the lichen Xanthoria parietina and the moss Hypnum cupressiforme after short-term treatments over a range of wood distillate solutions (1:300, 1:500, 1:700) to detect potential early stress responses. Overall, the lichen did not show changes after the treatments, while in the moss wood distillate caused only modest alterations in FV/FM and PI(ABS) and progressive increasing of antioxidant activity according to the dose supplied. The bioaccumulation of toxic elements was low and did not show any pattern of uptake with increasing concentrations of wood distillate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Fačkovcová
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Pier Andrea Mattioli 4, I-53100, Siena, Italy; Institute of Botany, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská Cesta 9, SK-84523, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Andrea Vannini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Pier Andrea Mattioli 4, I-53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Monaci
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Pier Andrea Mattioli 4, I-53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Martina Grattacaso
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Pier Andrea Mattioli 4, I-53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Luca Paoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Ghini 13, I-56126, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Stefano Loppi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Pier Andrea Mattioli 4, I-53100, Siena, Italy.
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May the Diversity of Epiphytic Lichens Be Used in Environmental Forensics? DIVERSITY-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/d11030036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Epiphytic (tree inhabiting) lichens, well-known biomonitors of atmospheric pollution, have a great potential for being used in environmental forensics. Monitoring changes in biodiversity is a useful method for evaluating the quality of an ecosystem. Lichen species occurring within an area show measurable responses to environmental changes, and lichen biodiversity counts can be taken as reliable estimates of environmental quality, with high values corresponding to unpolluted or low polluted conditions and low values to polluted ones. Lichen diversity studies may be very useful in the framework of environmental forensics, since they may highlight the biological effects of pollutants and constitute the base for epidemiological studies. It is thus of paramount importance that great care is taken in the interpretation of the results, especially in the context of a rapidly changing environment and facing global change scenarios. For this reason, it seems advisable to produce several zonal maps, each based on different species groups, and each interpreted in a different way. This exercise could also be a valid support in the framework of a sensitivity analysis, to support or reject the primary results. In addition, a clear and formal expression of the overall uncertainty of the outputs is absolutely necessary.
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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, Munzi S, Wang M, Jia YZ, Tao W. Increasing nitrogen depositions can reduce lichen viability and limit winter food for an endangered Chinese monkey. Basic Appl Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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9
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Manninen S. Deriving nitrogen critical levels and loads based on the responses of acidophytic lichen communities on boreal urban Pinus sylvestris trunks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 613-614:751-762. [PMID: 28938217 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.09.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The deposition of reactive nitrogen (N) compounds currently predominates over sulphur (S) deposition in most of the cities in Europe and North America. Acidophytic lichens growing on tree trunks are known to be sensitive to both N and S deposition. Given that tree species and climatic factors affect the composition of epiphytic lichen communities and modify lichen responses to air pollution, this study focused on the impact of urban air pollution on acidophytes growing on boreal conifer trunks. The study was performed in the Helsinki metropolitan area, southern Finland, where annual mean nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations range from 4-5μgm-3 to >50μgm-3. In addition, background forest sites in southern and northern Finland were included. The results demonstrated elevated N contents (≥0.7%) in Hypogymnia physodes and Platismatia glauca at all the sites where the species occurred. In the Helsinki metropolitan area, a higher frequency of green algae+Scoliociosporum chlorococcum and reduced numerical frequencies of other indicator lichen species (e.g. Pseudevernia furfuracea, Bryoria spp., Usnea spp.) were associated with elevated atmospheric concentrations of NO2 and particulate matter containing N, as well as elevated concentrations of inorganic N in bark. The N isotope values (δ15N) of lichens supported the uptake of oxidized N mainly originating from road traffic. Sulphur dioxide (SO2) also negatively affected the most sensitive species, despite the current low levels (1-4μgm-3yr-1). Critical levels of 5μgNO2m-3yr-1 and 0.5μgNH3m-3yr-1, and a critical load of 2-3kgNha-1yr-1 are proposed for protecting the diversity of boreal acidophytes. This study calls for measurements of the throughfall of various N fractions in urban forest ecosystems along precipitation and temperature gradients to verify the proposed critical levels and loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirkku Manninen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 65, Viikinkaari 2a, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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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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12
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Vegetation Composition in Bogs is Sensitive to Both Load and Concentration of Deposited Nitrogen: A Modeling Analysis. Ecosystems 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-014-9820-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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13
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Paoli L, Benesperi R, Proietti Pannunzi D, Corsini A, Loppi S. Biological effects of ammonia released from a composting plant assessed with lichens. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 21:5861-5872. [PMID: 24445932 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-2526-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated whether ammonia emissions from industrial composting of organic waste may influence the surrounding environment, using lichens as bioindicators. To this purpose, samples of N-tolerant and N-sensitive lichens, namely Xanthoria parietina and Evernia prunastri, were transplanted for 1-3 months along transects at increasing distance (0-400 m) from a composting facility in Tuscany, Italy. Atmospheric concentrations of ammonia were measured using passive samplers. The physiological response of lichen transplants was investigated by means of the photosynthetic efficiency (measured as chlorophyll a fluorescence emission), the integrity of cell membranes (measured as electrolyte leakage), and sample viability (measured as enzymatic activity of dehydrogenase). Epiphytic lichen communities were investigated using biodiversity indices. The results showed decreasing concentrations of ammonia, from 48.7 μg/m(3) at the composting facility to 2.7 μg/m(3) at 400 m. The N-tolerant X. parietina was not affected and some physiological parameters even showed a higher performance, while the N-sensitive E. prunastri showed a reduced performance with increasing atmospheric concentrations approaching the source. A shift from lichen communities composed by meso-acidophilous species (actual condition) to more nitrophilous communities in the near future, approaching the composting facility is suggested. It is concluded that lichens can provide useful data for decision-makers to establish correct science-based environmentally sustainable waste management policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Paoli
- Department of Life Science, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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14
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Munzi S, Cruz C, Branquinho C, Pinho P, Leith ID, Sheppard LJ. Can ammonia tolerance amongst lichen functional groups be explained by physiological responses? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2014; 187:206-9. [PMID: 24485905 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2013] [Revised: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3) empirical critical levels for Europe were re-evaluated in 2009, based mainly on the ecological responses of lichen communities without acknowledging the physiological differences between oligotrophic and nitrophytic species. Here, we compare a nitrogen sensitive lichen (Evernia prunastri) with a nitrogen tolerant one (Xanthoria parietina), focussing on their physiological response (Fv/Fm) to short-term NH3 exposure and their frequency of occurrence along an NH3 field gradient. Both frequency and Fv/Fm of E. prunastri decreased abruptly above 3 μg m(-3) NH3 suggesting direct adverse effects of NH3 on its photosynthetic performance. By contrast, X. parietina increased its frequency with NH3, despite showing decreased capacity of photosystem II above 50 μg m(-3) NH3, suggesting that the ecological success of X. parietina at ammonia-rich sites might be related to indirect effects of increased nitrogen (NH3) availability. These results highlight the need to establish NH3 critical levels based on oligotrophic lichen species.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Munzi
- Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, Centro de Biologia Ambiental, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - C Cruz
- Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, Centro de Biologia Ambiental, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - C Branquinho
- Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, Centro de Biologia Ambiental, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - P Pinho
- Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, Centro de Biologia Ambiental, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; Centre for Natural Resources and the Environment, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa (CERENA-IST-UL), Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - I D Leith
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik EH26 0QB, UK
| | - L J Sheppard
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik EH26 0QB, UK
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15
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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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Munzi S, Paoli L, Fiorini E, Loppi S. Physiological response of the epiphytic lichen Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. to ecologically relevant nitrogen concentrations. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2012; 171:25-29. [PMID: 22868343 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2012] [Revised: 06/12/2012] [Accepted: 07/01/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the physiological response of the epiphytic lichen Evernia prunastri to ecologically relevant concentrations of nitrogen compounds. Lichen samples were sprayed for 4 weeks either with water or 50, 150 and 500 μM NH(4)Cl. The integrity of cell membranes and chlorophyll a fluorescence emission (F(V)/F(M) and PI(ABS)) were analyzed. No membrane damage occurred after the exposure period. F(V)/F(M), a classical fluorescence indicator, decreased during the second week of treatment with 500 μM NH(4)Cl and the third week with 50 and 150 μM NH(4)Cl. PI(ABS), an overall index of the photosynthetic performance, was more sensitive and decreased already during the first week with 500 μM NH(4)Cl and the second week with 150 μM NH(4)Cl. Since E. prunastri has been exposed to ammonium loads corresponding to real environmental conditions, these findings open the way to an effective use of this species as early indicators of environmental nitrogen excess.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Munzi
- Center for Environmental Biology, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal.
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