Micro-scale elemental distribution in the thallus of Flavoparmelia caperata transplanted to polluted site

Abstract

The elemental microdistributions of peripheral and central parts of the lichen Flavoparmelia caperata exposed to industrial pollution were analysed, in order to better understand the elements distribution patterns in relation to the lichen constitution, thereby increasing our knowledge on uptake and release mechanisms. Nuclear microscopy techniques were used to visualize elemental distributions in sample transepts and associate their concentrations to sample morphology. The distribution data of the elements studied suggests there is biological regulation of internal concentrations. Considering thallus parts, element-specific internal translocation should be taken into account as one more factor affecting lichen ''memory length''.

Metal and metalloid foliar uptake by various plant species exposed to atmospheric industrial fallout: Mechanisms involved for lead

“…To our knowledge, no recent studies have investigated uptake pathways for metals from deposited PM on leaves. Metal accumulation and pathways have been studied in lichens and mosses (Catinon et al, 2008;Godinho et al, 2009;Spagnuolo et al, 2011), but current knowledge on foliar uptake in vascular plants is still incomplete.…”

One year of transplant: Is it enough for lichens to reflect the new atmospheric conditions?

“…Besides particulate entrapment of atmospheric depositions on their thallus surface, lichens uptake elements by means of ionic intracellular and extracellular processes. Beside passive accumulation, there is also a biological regulation of internal concentrations: elements can be mobilized in the thallus suggesting an easy interchange with the environment (Godinho et al, 2009). It is thus clear, that any real detoxification (reaching equilibrium with the surrounding environment, not just the mere loss of simply trapped particles) can be detected using younger, metabolically active and less particlecontaminated, material.…”