Lichens have been studied as bioindicators of air quality for
more than 100 years. A terrific 2015 presentation called
Urban Lichens:
Environmental Indicators
from NC State researchers dives deep into
studies of lichens as bioindicators of pollutants in urban settings.
More recently, researchers are finding that when toxic emissions are
under control in urban areas, other factors affecting lichen
abundance and diversity come into play, like temperature and
humidity level. In light of that, what is the urban heat island-
lichen interplay?
The theory: lichen abundance and diversity on urban trees
can be an indicator of the
level of urban heat island effect
but also can indicate the success of urban heat island
mitigation efforts, like tree planting. More research
is underway.
26 CityTREES
Urban Forest Ecology
Lichens: Bioindicators, Chemical
Hidden Marvels in Plain Sight
By Horticulturist Laura Wyeth
Lichens: Bioindicators, Chemical
Hidden Marvels in Plain Sight
