Exploration of Parmotrema tinctorum and Leptogium sp. lichens as bioindicator of air quality in Mekarsari fruit park

Abstract

Lichens are often used as bioindicator to monitor air quality. This study aims to use the Mekarsari Fruit Park area as a model to analyse the population of Parmotrema tinctorum and Leptogium, and considering the possibility of using them as bioindicator of air quality. The method used is descriptive exploratory with survey techniques. The observation plots were consisted of 3 zones, each of 1000 trees. The samples of each plot were identified morphologically and chemically and then the lead contents were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Parmotrema tinctorum were found in all zones but Leptogium only found in zone 3. Lead contents of P. tinctorum thalli in each zone of 1, 2, and 3 were 13.34, 24.87, and 23.61 ppm with the number of total thalli were 8, 223, and 469, the thalli area of 3369. 91 cm2, 39259.48 cm2, and 98984.97 cm2 and the average thallus area (ATA) of 1.3, 13.8, and 17.2 cm2. P. tinctorum tends to be tolerant lichen, because the lead content increasing of 43-46% caused increasing of 96-98% thalli number, 91-97% of thalli area, and 91-92% of ATA. Although Leptogium spp. are known as sensitive lichens, it occurred in higher lead concentration zone.