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The use of a common epiphytic lichen as a bioindicator of atmospheric inputs to two Venezuelan cloud forests

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

Catriona A. Gordon ,
Rafael Herrera  and
Tom C. Hutchinson
Catriona A. Gordon
Affiliation:
Department of Botany, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaM5S 3B2
Rafael Herrera
Affiliation:
Centro de Ecología, I.V.I.C., APDO 21827, Caracas 1020-A, Venezuela
Tom C. Hutchinson
Affiliation:
Environment and Resource Studies, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, CanadaK9J 7B8
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Abstract

The chemistry of epiphytic lichens was determined in two Venezuelan cloud forests adjacent to the Caracas Valley at Altos de Pipe and El Avila National Park. This is the second component of a two-part study examining the chemistry of fogs and their effects on sensitive biota in these forests. The widespread lichen Parmotrema madagascariaceum was chosen as an indicator of trace metal input. Background lichen collections and transplant experiments were carried out to evaluate spatial trends in atmospheric depositon of trace metals at different altitudes and exposures of the two montane locations. Elevated concentratons of metals including Pb and Zn were seen in lichen tissue and associated bark. Lead levels in lichens reached 190 μg g-1 dry wt. Lichens transplanted from relatively ‘clean’ to more polluted sites showed significant increases of metals, particularly Pb. Increases of up to 6.3 μg Pb g-1 mo-1 after 6 and 10 months were recorded relative to background and in situ lichen material. In contrast, when lichsens were reciprocally transplanted in nylon net bags from less to more exposed sites there was a significant decrease in Pb and Zn concentrations after 6 and 10 months. With long-term exposure to elevated concentrations of these trace metals epiphytic lichens, as well as other sensitive cloud forest biota, may be at risk of decline.

Keywords

atmospheric pollutionbioindicatorscloud forestsepiphyteslichenstrace metalsVenezuela
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Tropical Ecology , Volume 11 , Issue 1 , February 1995 , pp. 1 - 26
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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