Algal biofilms on tree bark to monitor airborne pollutants |
| |
Authors: | Katharina Freystein Mario Salisch Werner Reisser |
| |
Institution: | (1) Institute of Biology I, University of Leipzig, Johannisallee 21-23, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany |
| |
Abstract: | Algae are used in biomonitoring systems to detect water or soil pollution. So it is conceivable to establish a biomonitoring
system for the detection of airborne pollutants (ozone and particulate matter (PM-10)) in urban habitats by algae. Autotrophic
biofilms are widely present, cover nearly every exposed surface, especially tree bark and consist of a large variety of species
of algae, cyanobacteria and fungi. To explore the diversity of green algae at different air pollution monitoring sites we
choose trees with different structures of bark at three locations in and near Leipzig. We compared the measured levels of
air pollution with the algal species and communities present. The sites differed in the quality and amount of airborne pollutants,
among which we concentrated on ozone and particulate matter (PM-10). The collection sites were Leipzig-Centre, Leipzig-West
and a forest area east of Leipzig (Collmberg). Autotrophic biofilms were collected, algae cultures established and taxonomic
and morphological studies were carried out with light microscopy. Green algae were present on tree bark at all sites and forty-eight
different algal species and cyanobacteria were isolated. Preliminary results suggested a correlation between pollutants and
occurrence of some specific algal species and the specific algal assemblages at a given site. It is concluded that this could
provide the basis for a biomonitoring system involving aero-terrestrial algae for the detection of airborne pollutants.
Presented at the International Symposium Biology and Taxonomy of Green Algae V, Smolenice, June 26–29, 2007, Slovakia. |
| |
Keywords: | aero-terrestrial algae airborne pollution morphology ozone particulate matter tree bark |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|