Study on the feasibility of using transplanted Protousnea magellanica thalli as a bioindicator of atmospheric contamination

An experiment was performed to assess the feasibility of using transplanted Protousnea magellanica (Mont.) Krog thalli as a bioindicator of atmospheri c heavy metal contamination. The thalli were collected for pristine areas o f Nahuel Huapi National Park and transplanted back in the same site and at different locations at Bariloche city. One year later. the thalli were coll ected and their elemental contents were analyzed by instrumental neutron ac tivaction analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry. The present study sh ows that the use of transplanted thalli as a bioindicator of heavy metals r endered results which are consistent with a previous study performed native lichen species.