The Efficiency of Lichens in Air Biomonitoring: A Case Study in Teleorman County

Putusgulita Khaibarnahika^*
*Correspondence: Putusgulita Khaibarnahika, Department of Ecology, University of Opole, Oleska St. 48, 45-022 Opole, Poland, Email:

Introduction

p>Air pollution poses significant threats to both environmental and human health. Monitoring air quality is crucial for understanding the extent of pollution and its impact on ecosystems. Traditional methods of air quality monitoring often involve expensive equipment and complex procedures. However, natural bioindicators such as lichens have gained attention for their efficiency and cost-effectiveness in assessing air quality. This article explores the efficiency of lichens in air biomonitoring, focusing on a case study conducted in Teleorman County [1].

Description

Lichens are symbiotic organisms consisting of a fungus and algae or cyanobacteria. They are highly sensitive to environmental changes, particularly air quality. Lichens can accumulate pollutants from the atmosphere, making them effective bioindicators of air pollution. Their structure allows them to absorb gases and particles from the air, providing valuable insights into pollutant levels. Teleorman County is located in southern Romania, characterized by diverse landscapes ranging from agricultural plains to forested areas. Like many regions globally, Teleorman faces challenges related to air pollution, primarily from industrial activities, transportation, and agricultural practices. Monitoring air quality in Teleorman is essential for mitigating the impact of pollution on both ecosystems and human health. The study conducted in Teleorman County involved the collection of lichen samples from various locations across the region. Sampling sites were strategically chosen to represent different levels of pollution, including urban areas, industrial zones, and rural areas. Lichens were carefully collected and analyzed for their pollutant content, including heavy metals and nitrogen compounds. The analysis of lichen samples revealed significant variations in pollutant accumulation across different locations in Teleorman County [2,3].

Urban areas and industrial zones showed higher levels of heavy metal contamination, indicating the influence of anthropogenic activities. In contrast, lichens from rural areas exhibited lower pollutant concentrations, reflecting cleaner air quality. The efficiency of lichens as bioindicators was evident in their ability to reflect spatial variations in air pollution within Teleorman County. Lichen biomonitoring provided valuable data on pollutant distribution patterns, helping identify hotspots of contamination and prioritize mitigation efforts. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness of lichen biomonitoring makes it a practical option for continuous air quality assessment in resource-limited regions like Teleorman County. The findings of this study have several implications for environmental management and policy-making in Teleorman County. Firstly, the use of lichens as bioindicators offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional air quality monitoring methods. Incorporating lichen biomonitoring into existing monitoring networks can enhance the spatial coverage of pollution assessment and improve the accuracy of pollutant mapping. Secondly, the identification of pollution hotspots using lichen biomonitoring data enables targeted interventions to reduce emissions and mitigate environmental impacts. Regulatory measures can be implemented to control industrial emissions, improve transportation infrastructure, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. By addressing specific sources of pollution identified through lichen biomonitoring, Teleorman County can work towards achieving cleaner air and healthier ecosystems [4,5].

Conclusion

Lichens represent valuable tools for air biomonitoring, offering cost-effective and efficient means of assessing air quality. The case study conducted in Teleorman County demonstrated the effectiveness of lichens in detecting spatial variations in air pollution and identifying pollution hotspots. By integrating lichen biomonitoring into environmental management strategies, Teleorman County can make informed decisions to mitigate the impacts of air pollution and safeguard human health and the environment.

Acknowledgement

We thank the anonymous reviewers for their constructive criticisms of the manuscript.

Conflict Of Interest

The author declares there is no conflict of interest associated with this manuscript.

References

1. Paoli, Luca, Caterina Maccelli, Massimo Guarnieri and Andrea Vannini, et al. "Lichens “travelling” in smokers' cars are suitable biomonitors of indoor air quality." Ecol Indic 103 (2019): 576-580.

Google Scholar, Crossref

2. Chahloul, Nadia, Ayda Khadhri, Andrea Vannini and Mohamed Mendili, et al. "Selecting the species to be used in lichen transplant surveys of air pollution in Tunisia." Environ Monit Assess 195 (2023): 570.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

3. Salazar-Rojas, Teresa, Fredy Rubén Cejudo-Ruiz and Guillermo Calvo-Brenes. "Assessing magnetic properties of biomonitors and road dust as a screening method for air pollution monitoring." Chemosphere 310 (2023): 136795.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

4. Munzi, S., S. Ravera and G. Caneva. "Epiphytic lichens as indicators of environmental quality in Rome." Environ Pollut 146 (2007): 350-358.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

5. Abas, Azlan, Nur Hakimah Asnawi, Kadaruddin Aiyub and Azahan Awang, et al. "Lichen Biodiversity Index (LBI) for the Assessment of Air Quality in an Industrial City in Pahang, Malaysia." Atmosphere 13 (2022): 1905.

Google Scholar, Crossref

6. Dhaouadi, Sonia, Noureddine Khalloufi, Khaoula Ayati, Nesrine Ayeb, and Mustapha Béjaoui. "Use of lichen species for air pollution biomonitoring: Case of Dar-Chichou forest (Cap-Bon, North-East Tunisia)." Environ Sustain Indic 16 (2022): 100211.

Google Scholar, Crossref