Abstract Detail

Bryology and Lichenology

Will-Wolf, Susan [1], Jovan, Sarah [2], Amacher, Michael C. [3].

Lichen elemental content bioindicators for air quality in Eastern USA: lessons from the Midwest.

Our development of lichen elemental bioindicators for air pollution in the USA upper Midwest generated recommendations for large-scale programs in the rest of Eastern United States (E USA). Lichen data for 20 elements including Al, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, N, and S from combustion and ICP-OES were validated. Values from five species were successfully converted for equivalence. Conversion models between species were clearly both scale- and context-dependent. The common and widespread macrolichen Flavoparmelia caperata (Flacap; easily distinguished by non-specialists) is recommended across E USA. The small macrolichens Physcia aipolia and P. stellaris combined (Phyaip; also easily distinguished) are, despite greater cost, the second recommended bioindicator for the upper Midwest (common), New England (less common), and Midatlantic states (less common). Local forest cover better predicted the complementary distribution of Flacap (more forested) and Phyaip (less forested and urban) collections than did local air pollution. This unexpected conclusion suggests environmental factors like local land cover should be routinely considered in bioindicator development and interpretation. Fruticose Evernia mesomorpha, the most efficient species tested, is recommended for secondary use in northern or higher elevation areas of upper Midwestern and New England states (limited distribution because pollution sensitive). The macrolichens Parmelia sulcata and Punctelia rudecta, successful in other studies, were notably less reliable when collected by non-specialists. From minimal evaluation, Ramalina americana was a poor accumulator of metals and is not recommended, but Punctelia missouriensis gave reasonable data. It might be a useful secondary target species in less forested parts of central USA after thorough evaluation.

1 - University of Wisconsin-Madison, Botany, 430 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
2 - USDA Forest Service, Portland Forestry Sciences Lab, 620 SW Main, Suite 400, Portland, OR, 97205, USA
3 - USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Logan Forestry Sciences Lab, 860 n 1200 e, Logan, UT, 84321, USA

Keywords:
bioindicator
context-dependence
element
forest cover
lichen
metal
nitrogen
pollution
spatial scale
sulfur.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 28, Bryology and Lichenology (ABLS) II
Location: Sundance 1/Omni Hotel
Date: Tuesday, June 27th, 2017
Time: 4:30 PM
Number: 28012
Abstract ID:94
Candidate for Awards:None