Analysis of lichen biodiversity in different areas of Hungary

Abstract

In the present study, a comparison between air polluted and non-polluted areas was observed depending on the frequency and distribution of lichens. Comparing our test results, based on OKIR data, it was found that in the area of Tatabánya, and the most serious emission of harmful substances were sulfur oxides (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). It was found few or damaged samples, and even in the area of the new industrial park we did not find any samples at all. On the other hand, we found few, but healthy and abundant lichens in the vicinity of shopping centres and one of the industrial areas (sampling site "A"). Based on the retrieved data, we found that the emissions of SO2 and NOx have decreased somewhat over the past 6 years, but are still significant in the given area. In Budapest (e.g., the XXII district) the emission of harmful substances is almost a third of the values in Tatabánya in terms of SO2, which is surprising given the presence of a significant amount of chemical industry. The emission of NOx also remains well below the values in Tatabánya. On the other hand, based on the queried data, it was found that over the past 6 years, the emission of SO2 has increased, while that of NOx has decreased in the monitored area. We did not find an evaluable lichen sample within the investigated area. In the XIII district harmful substance emissions remain significantly lower compared to the previous test areas, in contrast to this, it was demonstrated that the second highest result in the emission of NOx. The lichen samples are varied, in one location (sampling location "A") we found damaged and sparse colonies, but in the others we could find particularly rich and large colonies, mainly in the parks and areas along the Danube. In the XX district, the emission of SO2 in the residential area of the district is extremely low, and that of NOx is also significantly lower than the previously investigated ones. We observed healthy lichen colonies in the district. SO2 emissions are not typical in the Várgestes area, and the amount of NOx is negligible. At the sampling locations, it was found that the lichen colonies are extensive, healthy and grow abundantly. The most dominant lichen species of the investigated areas were: in Tatabánya area: Xanthoria parietina, Physcia ascendens, Hypogymnia physodes, Flavoparmelia caperata, where in Várgesztes area, it was found the following strains: Xanthoria parietina, Physcia ascendens. Buti n Budapest areas such as XIII district, Flavoparmelia caperata, Flavoparmelia caperata, Physcia ascendens, and only Flavoparmelia caperata was found in XX district and no lichens were detected in XXII district. Finally, it was concluded that in the industrial areas, Tatabánya and XXII district has a high level of pollution, which is not healthy for humans and other living beings. In addition, it can also have a negative impact on the ecosystem in terms of development and can also cause the buildings to corrode. The XIII district and XX district is characterized by significantly less air pollution data, and in addition, their environmental conditions can also have a positive effect on them. Thanks to the location next to the Danube, pollutants are cleared from the air in this area more quickly due to the wind. In addition, green zones are also common, where there is a chance for dirt to accumulate. On the other hand, the test sites "C", "D", and "E" are located near park areas and the Danube, where several factors ensure adequate air exchange and purification.