Galanin A. V., Schekina V.V.

Structure of lichen populations of Blagoveschensk city and its vicinities in connection with pollution

Year: 2004, Issue: L, Pages: 60 - 121

The article contains the analysis of distribution of lichen species on 150 sample plots each of 10x10 m studied in Blagoveschensk city and its vicinities. 39 lichen species have been registered in vicinities of Blagoveschensk city; only 16 species within the town itself. Taxonomic composition of lichen flora is the following: Parmeliaceac (9 species), Cladoniaceae (6), Lecanoraceae (6), Physciaceae (6), Peltigeraceae (2), Usneaceae (2). Theloschistaceae (3). Such families as Graphidaceae, Ramalinaceae, Stereocaulaceae, Collemataceae, and Candelariaceae contain one species. Epiphyte lichens constitute the greatest number of species (29). In vicinities of the town, synusias of epiphyte and land surface lichens are the most various, and within the town, synusias of saxicolous lichens are richer in species, that proves the large stability of saxicolous lichens to chemical pollution of environment. The lichen distribution on sample plots within the town depends on a degree of air pollution and as a whole coincides with zones of pollution of a various degree. Graph models of taxonomical lichen similarity reflect regularities of species distribution among habitats. In conditions of a town, pollution is a primary factor for species differentiation. In vicinities of the town, relief and forest type is a main factor differentiation lichen structure. Power state emissions, vehicle and industrial enterprises have the greatest influence for lichen distribution and viability. Graph clusters reflect gradients of air pollu­tion; there can be distinguished three izotoxic zones: strong, moderate and mind pollution. The list of characteristic lichen species for each zones contains: for the strong pollution zone (iap – 0-1) – Candelaria concolor, Heterodermia sp., Xanthoria parietina, Physconia gricea, Ph. Distorta, Punctinelia subrudicta; for the moderate pollution zone (IAP  = 4-6)- Flavoparmelia caperata, Parmelia saxatilis, Xanthoria candelaria, X. polycarpa, Lecanora allophana, Parmotrema chinense; for the mild pollution zone (IAP = 7 and more) - Lecanora symmicta, L. populicola, Physcia aipolia, Melanelia huei.

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