Biological monitoring - The useful method for estimation of air and environment quality

Abstract

Bioindication with different bioindicators (lichens, mosses, tree leaves and small mammals) has been used for thirty years (1975-2005) to estimate air pollution and environment contamination in Poland. Air contamination by heavy metals and sulphur dioxide in the Base Station of the Environmental Nature Monitoring System and in 23 Polish National Parks was estimated using lichen Hypogymnia physodes as a bioindicator. The impact of the Krakow conurbation and the contamination of forest ecosystems, using tree leaves and small mammals, were evaluated, respectively. Biological monitoring showed the changes of environment quality in Poland but also confirmed the presence of some areas still being contaminated. They are located in different parts of Poland also far from industrial sources. © 2007 WIT Press.