3 research outputs found
A retrospective study using epiphytic lichens as biomonitors of air quality: 1980 and 1996 (Tuscany, central Italy)
The results of a retrospective study (data of 1980 and 1996) performed in the Chianti Region (Tuscany, central Italy) using epiphytic
lichens both as sensitive indicators and accumulative monitors are presented. Floristic data, particularly the presence of numerous species known
to be sensitive to air pollutants, indicated that air quality in the study area remained fairly good throughout this 16.year period, and may even have
improved. Accumulation of trace elements in Parmelin cuperutu thalli collected in 1980 and 1996 supported this conclusion, with concentrations
similar or even lower than those previously reported in other unpolluted areas of Tuscany. Most elements showed a marked decline from 1980 to
1996, suggesting that in the last years, the study area was subjected to a lower load of metal air pollution. Sulphur was the only element showing
higher concentrations in 1996, probably due to the increased use of S-based pesticides in vineyard