Air pollution

Test of air pollution by lichens

Aim of work: To measure air pollution according to the plurality and composition of lichens’ species.

Hypothesis: The level of air pollution is bigger near the objects which pollute the environment greatly (roads, factories, houses etc.).

Test of air pollution by lichens:

Researchedplace

Type of

treeType of lichens Plenty Coverage, % SO₂ Zone

Vytautasstreet

Lime

1. Xanthoria parientina

2. Hypogymnia physodes

3. Paramelia sulcata

++++++

101037

To 70 3

Martišiusstreet

Lime

1. Xanthoria parientina

2. Paramelia sulcata

3. Hypogymnia physodes

++++++

92626

To 70 3

Revuona’spark

Lime1.Pseudevernia furfuracea

2. Hypogymnia physodes

++++

5049

To 50 2

Kaunas street Lime1. Hypogymnia physodes

2. Xanthoria parientina

++++

4634

To 70 3

Statybininkaistreet

Lime

1. Xanthoria parientina

2. Hypogymnia physodes

3. Pseudevernia furfuracea

++++++

701012

To 100 4

10 9

0

34

70

10

26

4946

10

37

26

0 0 00 0

50

0

12

Vytautas street Martišius street Revuona’s park Kaunas street Statybininkai street

Lichens coverage %

Xanthoria parientina Hypogymnia physodes

70 70

50

70

100

Vytautas street Martišius street Revuona’s park Kaunas street Statybininkai street

SO₂ concentration %

SO₂ concentration %

Conclusions:

1. We have found these lichens: . Xanthoria parientina, Hypogymnia

physodes, Paramelia sulcata, Pseudevernia furfuracea.

2. The degree of coverage fluctuates from 9% to 70%.

3. The most polluted area was Statybininkai street, which means that it is

the closest area to polluting objects. The least polluted area was

Revuona’s park, which means that it is the furthest area from polluting

objects as cars, industries and houses.

4. Human beings are the ones who produce the most SO₂.