EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF SULPHITE ON LICHENS WITH REFERENCE TO ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION

Abstract

The effect of sulphite solutions on the incorporation of H14CO3− in the light in Usnea subfloridana, Parmelia physodes and Lecanora conizaeoides was studied. The sulphite concentration which prevented incorporation was least in Usnea subfloridana and greatest in Lecanora conizaeoides. These differing sensitivities to sulphite were correlated with the known sensitivities of these lichens to atmospheric pollution. Sulphate was less toxic than sulphite. Sulphite was toxic at pH 4 and below but not toxic at pH 5 and above. Copyright © 1971, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved