AIRBORNE ELEMENTS, CELL-MEMBRANES, AND CHLOROPHYLL IN TRANSPLANTED LICHENS

The objective of the present study was to test the concentration of ai rborne mineral elements in the lichen Ramalina lacera (With,) J.R. Lau nd. in comparison with its physiological status. Thalli of Ramalina la cera were collected in a remote unpolluted site and transplanted in a polluted region for 10 mo. An analysis of 20 elements in addition to a n analysis of the status of cell membranes and the integrity of chloro phyll was performed after this period of transplantation. The lichen m anifested a great potential for the accumulation of Pb, V, Ni, Zn, and Cu. Potassium and P were found to leach out. High concentrations of N i, Mg, and B coincided with damage caused to cell membranes. The integ rity of chlorophyll correlated with the concentration of K and correla ted inversely with the concentration of Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and B.