Passive Biomonitoring with Lichens as a Part of an Integrated Biological Measuring System for Monitoring Air Pollution in Switzerland

Abstract

Passive Biomonitoring with the folious lichen Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. has been tested in Switzerland. Multielement analyses enable qualitative and quantitative conclusions about the composition and amount of important active pollutants. Many elements correlate well with the general air pollution indicator IAP18. Hypogymnia physodes possess good accumulation capacity for important air pollutants. The method has been calibrated for Pb and Cu with technical deposition measurements. The “Passive Biomonitoring” and “Calibrated Lichen Indication Method” compose together an “Integral Biological Testing System for Air Pollution in Switzerland”. This system enables detailed statements on total air pollution in general and on single pollutants as well.