Lichens Bioindication of Pollution Based on Tree Colonization

Lichens are pollution sensitive and have been used as bioindicators for quality air. Their distribution in cities mirror traffic pollution distribution as well as other urban lichen factors in relation to this pollution including lichen colonization sources and moisture presence. The objective of the study was to determine the relationship among factors of pollution, moisture and sources of colonization in the determination of distribution of lichen in oak trees.  The trees were carefully selected form different sites to reduce correlation in moisture, pollution, and sources of colonization. The study utilized model-averaged standardized regression coefficients in comparing the relative effects of the variables of the cover and richness of lichen. The study found that the lichen cover was correlated to pollution intensity. On the other hand, the richness of macrolichen cover was found t be strongly related to moisture and sources of colonization than to pollution. The findings of the study also suggested that it is advisable to increase the sources of colonization of lichen promote the diversity of macrolichen.