METAL CONTENT AND COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF CRYPTOGAM BIOINDICATORS IN RELATION TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC IN MONTSENY-BIOSPHERE-RESERVE (CATALONIA,SPAIN)

The health, abundance, metal content and species richness of corticolo us macrolichens and bryophytes of Quercus ilex were compared at nine r oadside stations in Montseny Biosphere Reserve, 40 km NNE of Barcelona , and at a control site outside the industrial metropolis. Stations we re characterized by traffic levels and the correlated parameter airbor ne particles. Corticolous flora at all stations was dominated by sored iate Parmelia species (P. caperata, P. soredians, P. subrudecta, P. su baurifera, P. sulcata and P. perlata). Damage, mainly due to arthropod feeding and fungal parasites, ranged from 14 to 33% of mean cover per station in the park and was 10% at the control site. Elevated levels of Pb, Zn and Cu were found in large thalli near the roadsides. (C) 19 95 The British Lichen Society