Physiological Responses Of Epiphytic Lichens To The Urban And Rural Environment In The City Of Bursa (Turkey)

Authors : Şaban GÜVENÇ, Gamze YILDIZ, Egemen DERE

Pages : 33-43

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Publication Date : 2018-04-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study was designed with an aim to observe the effect on the physiological parameters of epiphytic lichens of the climatic conditions, population and traffic activity in the sites. The study was carried out in thalli of Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach., Parmelia sulcata Taylor and Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf collected from the urban and rural area. Six parameters (total protein, total carbohydrate, Chl-a, Chl-b, carotenoid content and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities were measured in thalli of epiphytic lichens. Protein content and GST activity were showed a negative correlation with rainfall and humidity, while positively correlation with temperature, population and the number of motor vehicles. GST activity was increased by increasing the level of pollution in sites, and Chl-a content decreased. Chl-a and carotenoids content were showed a positive correlation with rainfall and humidity, while negatively correlated with temperature, population and the number of motor vehicles. Total carbohydrate and Chl-b content in thalli of three epiphytic lichen species were not a significant correlation with climatic and anthropogenic parameters.
Keywords : Lichens, Physiological parameters, Air pollution, Glutathione S transferase activity, Bursa