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Liao K, Chen C, Ye W, Zhu J, Li Y, She S, Wang P, Tao Y, Lv A, Wang X, Chen L. The adaptability, distribution, ecological function and restoration application of biological soil crusts on metal tailings: A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172169. [PMID: 38582126 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
A large amount of metal tailings causes many environmental issues. Thus, the techniques for their ecological restoration have garnered extensive attention. However, they are still in the exploratory stage. Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are a coherent layer comprising photoautotrophic organisms, heterotrophic organisms and soil particles. They are crucial in global terrestrial ecosystems and play an equal importance in metal tailings. We summarized the existing knowledge on BSCs growing on metal tailings. The main photosynthetic organisms (cyanobacteria, eukaryotic algae, lichens, and mosses) of BSCs exhibit a high heavy metal(loid) (HM) tolerance. BSCs also have a strong adaptability to other adverse conditions in tailings, such as poor structure, acidification, and infertility. The literature about tailing BSCs has been rapidly increasing, particularly after 2022. The extensive literature confirms that the BSCs distributed on metal tailings, including all major types of metal tailings in different climatic regisions, are common. BSCs perform various ecological functions in tailings, including HM stress reduction, soil structure improvement, soil nutrient increase, biogeochemical cycle enhancement, and microbial community restoration. They interact and accelerate revegetation of tailings (at least in the temperate zone) and soil formation. Restoring tailings by accelerating/inducing BSC formation (e.g., resource augmentation and inoculation) has also attracted attention and achieved small-scale on-site application. However, some knowledge gaps still exist. The potential areas for further research include the relation between BSCs and HMs, large-scale quantification of tailing BSCs, application of emerging biological techniques, controlled laboratory experiments, and other restoration applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejun Liao
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chaoqi Chen
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wenyan Ye
- Lin'an Branch of Hangzhou Bureau of Planning and Natural Resources, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Lin'an Branch of Hangzhou Bureau of Planning and Natural Resources, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Yan Li
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Sijia She
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Panpan Wang
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yue Tao
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ang Lv
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Xinyue Wang
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Lanzhou Chen
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
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Metabolic processes involved with sugar alcohol and secondary metabolite production in the hyperaccumulator lichen Diploschistes muscorum reveal its complex adaptation strategy against heavy-metal stress. Fungal Biol 2021; 125:999-1008. [PMID: 34776237 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis of various unique secondary metabolites by lichens is the result of mutualistic symbiotic association between the mycobiont and autotrophic photobiont. The function of these compounds and causal factors for their production are not fully understood. This paper examines the effect of heavy-metal bioaccumulation and physiological parameters related to photosynthesis and carbon metabolism on the production of lichen substances in hyperaccumulator Diploschistes muscorum. The obtained model of secondary metabolite concentrations in the thalli demonstrates that the carbon source provided by the photobiont and associated polyols produced by the mycobiont have positive impact on the production; on the contrary, the increased intracellular load of heavy metals and excessive loss of cell membrane integrity adversely affected secondary metabolite contents. Additionally, the production of secondary metabolites appears to be more dependent on intracellular metal concentrations than on soil pollution level. To compensate for metal stress, both efficient functioning of algal component and sufficient production of secondary metabolites are required. The balanced physiological functioning of mycobiont and photobiont constitutes the complex protective mechanism to alleviate the harmful effects of heavy metal stress on primary and secondary metabolism of lichens.
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Rola K, Lenart-Boroń A, Boroń P, Osyczka P. Heavy-metal pollution induces changes in the genetic composition and anatomical properties of photobionts in pioneer lichens colonising post-industrial habitats. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 750:141439. [PMID: 32882488 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Certain lichens are effective colonisers of polluted sites. However, little is known about the tolerance of photobionts and the degree of mycobiont selectivity to photobionts relative to metal pollution. The present study recognises the genetic and anatomical diversity of Asterochloris photobionts in epigeic lichens, i.e. Cladonia cariosa, C. rei, and Diploschistes muscorum, in relation to a wide spectrum of soil pollution. In accordance with phylogenetic analysis, photobionts were clustered in 7 moderately- to well-supported clades, including 19 haplotypes. The mycobionts of all studied lichens demonstrated a low level of selectivity and were capable of associating with various Asterochloris lineages. This tendency was also expressed by the frequent (~25%) occurrence of multiple algal genotypes in a single thallus. This indicates that identified Asterochloris lineages are generally tolerant to heavy-metal pollution, and the low level of selectivity of mycobionts enables them to select the most suitable and/or available partner. The trend of increasing incidence of certain Asterochloris lineages and decreasing frequency of others along with increasing soil pollution was observed. This proves the superior adaptation of some photobionts to polluted sites. Such symbiotic plasticity constitute an adaptive feature necessary for the successful colonisation. High number of haplotypes at polluted sites could be the result of multiple introduction events from different areas during the initial stages of spontaneous succession. Regardless of the genetic pattern, Asterochloris cells were considerably smaller, and the density and compaction of cells in the algal layer were higher, in lichen specimens from polluted sites, indicating that photobiont characteristics may be closely dependent on heavy-metal pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Rola
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Lenart-Boroń
- Department of Microbiology and Biomonitoring, Faculty of Agriculture and Economics, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Adam Mickiewicz Ave. 24/28, 31-059 Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Boroń
- Department of Forest Ecosystems Protection, Faculty of Forestry, University of Agriculture in Kraków, 29 Listopada Ave. 46, 31-425 Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Osyczka
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
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Rola K. Insight into the pattern of heavy-metal accumulation in lichen thalli. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2020; 61:126512. [PMID: 32299012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2020.126512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heavy metals that pass through the plasmalemma are expected to influence on lichen metabolic processes; however, lichens may tolerate high concentrations of metals by sequestrating them extracellularly. Heavy metal accumulation level fundamentally determine the success of lichens in the colonisation of polluted sites; however, the proportions between extra- and intracellular metal concentrations in lichen thalli are still poorly recognized. In this study metal accumulation patterns of selected toxic trace elements, i.e. Pb, Cd, and micronutrients, i.e. Zn, Cu and Ni, in Cladonia cariosa thalli were recognised in relation to extra- and intracellular fractions. METHODS The intracellular and total concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cd, Cu and Ni in lichen thalli collected from eleven variously polluted sites were determined by means of atomic absorption spectrometry. Additionally, organic carbon and total nitrogen contents as well as pH of soil substrate were measured. RESULTS The accumulation patterns differed between studied metal elements; the major part of Zn, Pb and Cd loads was accumulated extracellularly, whereas Cu and Ni accumulation was mostly intracellular. Like toxic trace elements, Zn was accumulated mainly extracellularly at high polluted sites. The non-linear models most reliably reflect relationships between intracellular and extracellular metal contents in C. cariosa thalli. The intracellular contents of Zn, Pb, Cd and Cu increased slower at higher than at lower extracellular concentrations. Moreover, at higher total concentrations of elements in the thalli, their extracellular proportions were markedly increased. CONCLUSION The results suggest that in the face of extreme Zn-enrichment, lichens demonstrate the ability to accumulate the excess of Zn outside the cells. Therefore, it can be concluded that metal accumulation depend not only on the element but also on its abundance in the environment and direct availability for lichens. The studied species showed a defence against excessive intracellular accumulation when a given element is in excess. Such capability may facilitate the colonization of extremely polluted sites by certain pioneer lichens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Rola
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
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Rola K, Latkowska E, Myśliwa-Kurdziel B, Osyczka P. Heavy-metal tolerance of photobiont in pioneer lichens inhabiting heavily polluted sites. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 679:260-269. [PMID: 31082599 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals are known for their negative impact on the physiological processes of lichen photobiont. In spite of this, certain lichens are known to be effective pioneers of polluted sites. Cladonia cariosa, C. rei, and Diploschistes muscorum are prominent examples of lichens that spontaneously colonise post-industrial wastes. We examined the effect of total and intracellular Zn, Pb, Cd, As, Cu, and Ni accumulation in the thalli of these species on the physiological parameters of photobiont. Increased accumulation of Zn, Cd, Cu, and Ni in D. muscorum and of Zn and Ni in C. rei negatively affected contents of photosynthetic pigments, whereas concentrations of Pb had a positive effect in all lichen species. Moreover, pigment contents were positively associated with the concentrations of most examined elements in C. cariosa. The results indicate that even if chlorophyll contents reduced, its degradation does not progress. This suggests that metal stress may exert a negative effect on the synthesis rather than on the integrity of chlorophyll. Most importantly, lichen samples of each of the species from polluted sites proved to possess significantly higher FV/FM ratios than those from a reference site; moreover, the contents of elements of lichen thalli positively influenced this parameter. The efficient functioning of the algal component under heavy-metal stress conditions indicates that the examined lichens are well adapted to extremely contaminated substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Rola
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewa Latkowska
- Department of Plant Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Beata Myśliwa-Kurdziel
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Osyczka
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
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Osyczka P, Rola K. Integrity of lichen cell membranes as an indicator of heavy-metal pollution levels in soil. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 174:26-34. [PMID: 30818257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.02.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The epigeic lichens Cladonia rei and Diploschistes muscorum are effective heavy-metal-tolerant colonisers of highly polluted and disturbed sites. In this study we compare their bioaccumulation capacities, accumulation patterns, and responses to heavy-metal stress, as expressed in terms of cell membrane damage. We also aim at verifying the relationships between cell membrane damage and levels of soil pollution with heavy metals, and thereby to identify the bioindicative value of this physiological parameter. Total and intracellular concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cd, As, Cu, and Ni were measured in 140 samples of lichens and corresponding soil, collected from variously contaminated sites. Relative electrical conductivity (EC%) values were determined concurrently in the lichen samples. The studied lichens differ considerably in intracellular uptake susceptibility and the related reduction in membrane integrity. In C. rei thalli, more than half of Zn, Pb, Cd, and As loads are accumulated extracellularly, whereas D. muscorum exhibits a tendency towards intracellular accumulation of the same elements. This property is clearly reflected in cell membrane damage, which is considerably greater in the latter species irrespective of study site. This indicates that intracellular heavy-metal accumulation affects the level of cell membrane damage. Two soil pollution classes were distinguished for both lichens based on element contents in host-substrate samples. The losses of cell membrane integrity in lichen thalli are related to these classes. EC% values above 16 in C. rei and above 20 in D. muscorum suggest elevated levels of heavy metals in the soil. Consequently, this physiological parameter can serve as an early warning indicator for detection of elevated metal concentrations in soil. The biomonitoring method proposed here involves common and widespread lichen species and can be widely applied in post-industrial areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Osyczka
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Kaja Rola
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
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Kováčik J, Dresler S, Peterková V, Babula P. Metal-induced oxidative stress in terrestrial macrolichens. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 203:402-409. [PMID: 29627607 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.03.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Short-term (24 h) responses of Cladonia arbuscula subsp. mitis and Cladonia furcata to copper (CuII) or chromium (CrIII) excess (10 or 100 μM) were compared. C. arbuscula accumulated more Cu and Cr at higher metal doses but both species revealed depletion of K and/or Ca amount. Not only Cu but also Cr typically elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation (fluorescence microscopy detection of total ROS and hydrogen peroxide) and depleted nitric oxide (NO) signal, with Cu showing more negative impact on lipid peroxidation (BODIPY 581/591 C11 staining reagent). Metals and staining reagents also affected anatomical responses and photobiont/mycobiont visibility. Principally different impact of Cu and Cr was observed at antioxidative metabolites level, indicating various ways of metal-induced ROS removal and/or metal chelation: Cu strongly depleted glutathione (GSH) and stimulated phytochelatin 2 (PC2) content while ascorbic acid accumulation was depleted by Cu and stimulated by Cr. Subsequent experiment with GSH biosynthetic inhibitor (buthionine sulfoximine, BSO) revealed that 48 h of exposure is needed to deplete GSH and BSO-induced depletion of GSH and PC2 amounts under Cu or Cr excess elevated ROS but depleted NO. These data suggest close relations between thiols, NO and appearance of oxidative stress (ROS generation) under metallic stress also in lichens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jozef Kováčik
- Department of Biology, University of Trnava, Priemyselná 4, 918 43 Trnava, Slovak Republic.
| | - Sławomir Dresler
- Department of Plant Physiology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Viera Peterková
- Department of Biology, University of Trnava, Priemyselná 4, 918 43 Trnava, Slovak Republic
| | - Petr Babula
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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Kováčik J, Dresler S, Babula P. Metabolic responses of terrestrial macrolichens to nickel. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2018; 127:32-38. [PMID: 29544211 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Short-term (24 h) responses of Cladonia arbuscula subsp. mitis (formerly known as Cladina and this name is used to distinguish the tested species) and Cladonia furcata to nickel (Ni2+) excess (10 or 100 μM) were compared. Cladonia accumulated more Ni at higher Ni dose (1.717 mg total Ni/g DW), K amount was unaffected and Ca amount decreased in Cladina only. Fluorescence microscopy detection of total/general ROS and hydrogen peroxide showed Ni-stimulated increase in both species being more pronounced in Cladonia and in mycobiont partner mainly. Nitric oxide visualization (diaminonaphthalene staining) also revealed elevation in response to Ni that could contribute to synthesis of protective metabolites: they may include ascorbic acid or reduced glutathione which increased in Ni-exposed Cladina or Cladonia, respectively. Only low content of phytochelatin 2 was detected in Ni-treated Cladonia and the role in Ni chelation is not apparent. Among aliphatic organic acids, content of citric or succinic acid was not or slightly affected by Ni, production of malic acid dropped by ca. 50% in both species and α-ketoglutaric acid showed the opposite behavior in the tested species. Data indicate that even short-term Ni treatments induce metabolic changes and symptoms of oxidative stress in lichens, confirming that nickel is not non-toxic metal as frequently visible from standard biochemical assays of basic physiology. Ascorbic acid and GSH rather than aliphatic organic acids seem to contribute to Ni tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jozef Kováčik
- Department of Biology, University of Trnava, Priemyselná 4, 918 43 Trnava, Slovak Republic.
| | - Sławomir Dresler
- Department of Plant Physiology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Petr Babula
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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Osyczka P, Boroń P, Lenart-Boroń A, Rola K. Modifications in the structure of the lichen Cladonia thallus in the aftermath of habitat contamination and implications for its heavy-metal accumulation capacity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:1950-1961. [PMID: 29105035 PMCID: PMC5766729 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0639-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic traits of lichens can be greatly modified by environmental factors. Granulose thalli on soil and podetia, densely covered with granules, referring to common and widespread lichen Cladonia cervicornis subsp. verticillata were found near zinc smelter. The granules are stratified, filled with fungal medulla and heavily encrusted with calcium oxalate weddellite crystals, not observed on regularly developed thalli of the species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that deformed granulose forms belong to this taxon, showing that the phenotypic plasticity of the lichens of Cladonia can lead to the emergence of features that do not coincide with the taxonomic definition of the species. The heavy-metal accumulation capacity of both granulose and regular form of primary and secondary lichen thallus, in relation to the element content in corresponding substrate, was determined. Granulose-modified thalli accumulate greater amounts of heavy metals than regular ones, meaning that the bioaccumulation property of a given species may be greatly affected by morphological modifications. The granulose forms are also characterised by considerably higher ratios of Cd, Pb and As concentrations in lichen samples in relation to the corresponding substrates than regular ones. This means that collection of variously formed thalli should be avoided in biomonitoring sampling procedures. The results indicate that a substantial part of the element load, in particular zinc, in the examined lichen thalli collected near the smelter originates from atmospheric fallout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Osyczka
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology and Earth Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Kopernika 27, 31-501, Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Boroń
- Department of Forest Pathology, Mycology and Tree Physiology, University of Agriculture in Kraków, 29 Listopada Ave. 46, 31-425, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Lenart-Boroń
- Department of Microbiology, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Mickiewicza Ave. 24/28, 30-059, Kraków, Poland
| | - Kaja Rola
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology and Earth Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Kopernika 27, 31-501, Kraków, Poland.
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Air Pollution Monitoring in the south-east baltic using the epiphytic lichen hypogymnia physodes. ATMOSPHERE 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos8070119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Skubała P, Rola K, Osyczka P. Oribatid communities and heavy metal bioaccumulation in selected species associated with lichens in a heavily contaminated habitat. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:8861-71. [PMID: 26810668 PMCID: PMC4850176 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6100-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The study examines oribatid communities and heavy metal bioaccumulation in selected species associated with different microhabitats of a post-smelting dump, i.e. three lichen species of Cladonia with various growth forms and the slag substrate. The abundance of oribatids collected from the substrate was significantly lower than observed in lichen thalli. The morphology and chemical properties of lichens, and to some extent varying concentrations of heavy metals in thalli, are probably responsible for significant differences in oribatid communities inhabiting different Cladonia species. Some oribatids demonstrate the ability to accumulate zinc and cadmium with unusual efficiency, whereas lead is the most effectively regulated element by all species. A positive correlation was found between Zn content in all studied oribatids and their microhabitats. Oribatids exploring different food resources, i.e. fungivorous and non-fungivorous grazers, show considerable differences in bioconcentrations of certain elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Skubała
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia, Bankowa 9, PL-40-007, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Kaja Rola
- Department of Plant Taxonomy, Phytogeography and Herbarium, Institute of Botany, Jagiellonian University, Kopernika 27, PL-31-501, Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Osyczka
- Department of Polar Research and Documentation, Institute of Botany, Jagiellonian University, Kopernika 27, PL-31-501, Kraków, Poland
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Rola K, Osyczka P, Kafel A. Different Heavy Metal Accumulation Strategies of Epilithic Lichens Colonising Artificial Post-Smelting Wastes. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 70:418-428. [PMID: 26155778 PMCID: PMC4722062 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-015-0180-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Lichens appear to be essential and effective colonisers of bare substrates including the extremely contaminated wastes of slag dumps. This study examines the metal accumulation capacity of epilithic lichens growing directly on the surface of artificial slag sinters. Four species representing different growth forms, i.e., crustose Candelariella aurella, Lecanora muralis, and Lecidea fuscoatra and fruticose Stereocaulon nanodes, were selected to evaluate the relationships between zinc, lead, cadmium, and nickel contents in their thalli and host substrates. Bioaccumulation factors of examined crustose lichens showed their propensity to hyperaccumulate heavy metals. Contrarily, concentrations of metals in fruticose thalli of S. nanodes were, as a rule, lower than in the corresponding substrates. This indicates that the growth form of thalli and degree of thallus adhesion to the substrate has a significant impact on metal concentrations in lichens colonising post-smelting wastes. Nonlinear regression models described by power functions show that at greater levels of Pb concentration in the substrate, the ability of C. aurella, L. muralis and L. fuscoatra to accumulate the metal experiences a relative decrease, whereas hyperbolic function describes a similar trend in relation to Ni content in S. nanodes. This phenomenon may be an important attribute of lichens that facilitates their colonisation of the surface of slag wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Rola
- Department of Plant Taxonomy, Phytogeography and Herbarium, Institute of Botany, Jagiellonian University, Kopernika 27, 31-501, Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Osyczka
- Department of Polar Research and Documentation, Institute of Botany, Jagiellonian University, Kopernika 27, 31-501, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Alina Kafel
- Department of Ecotoxicology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia, Bankowa 9, 40-007, Katowice, Poland
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Heavy Metal Behavior in Lichen-Mine Waste Interactions at an Abandoned Mine Site in Southwest Japan. METALS 2015. [DOI: 10.3390/met5031591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Skubała P, Rola K, Osyczka P, Kafel A. Oribatid mite communities on lichens in heavily contaminated post-smelting dumps. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2014; 67:578-92. [PMID: 25034334 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-014-0066-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we examined oribatid fauna of strongly contaminated post-smelting dumps (southern Poland) that exist in the substrate and are associated with the most frequent lichen, Cladonia rei. Due to artificial origin of the substrate and the extremely high contamination with heavy metals, the studied dumps are unique in Europe in terms of unfavourable life conditions. In total, 2,936 specimens of Oribatida, representing 50 oribatid species, were sampled on 10 dumps and a reference site. Thalli of C. rei act as an island for soil oribatid mites on extremely contaminated post-smelting dumps. Both abundance and species richness of oribatid fauna collected from C. rei thalli were significantly greater than those recorded in the dump's substrate. The pool of oribatid species that was able to persist in extremely high doses of heavy metals was comparatively broad. However, only one species, Tectocepheus velatus, was able to achieve high abundances on all dumps. Three different responses of species (tolerant, sensitive, and indifferent) to heavy-metal contamination were recognised. Redundancy analysis indicated that highly increased levels of heavy metals, as well as K content, C/N ratio, and pH value, were the main factors that influence the composition and distribution of species. The concentrations of heavy metals (both essential elements (zinc) as well as xenobiotics (lead, cadmium) in T. velatus from the most contaminated dumps were not increased compared with those observed in moderately contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Skubała
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia, Bankowa 9, 40-007, Katowice, Poland,
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Rola K, Osyczka P. Cryptogamic community structure as a bioindicator of soil condition along a pollution gradient. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:5897-910. [PMID: 24906242 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-3827-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to determine changes in the structure of cryptogamic vegetation of poor psammophilous grassland along a pollution gradient near a zinc smelter to evaluate the potential of species assemblages as bioindicators of soil condition. Lichens and bryophytes were examined in study plots along six transects in four distance zones, and the physicochemical properties of corresponding soil samples were analysed. Four different responses of species to substrate contamination were identified, with a distinct group of species resistant to and favoured by metal contamination. Although species richness decreases as one approaches the smelter, the gradual replacement of certain sensitive species by resistant ones was observed along the pollution gradient. The results enabled us to develop a useful tool to diagnose strongly polluted sites. Two different cryptogamic assemblages of well-recognised key species characteristic for strongly polluted and lightly polluted sites were distinguished. We conclude that cryptogamic community structure clearly corresponds to the degree of soil contamination, thus demonstrating high bioindicative value. The study confirmed the high relevance of the community approach in metal pollution biomonitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Rola
- Department of Plant Taxonomy, Phytogeography and Herbarium, Institute of Botany, Jagiellonian University, Kopernika 27, 31-501, Kraków, Poland,
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Cladonia lichens as the most effective and essential pioneers in strongly contaminated slag dumps. Open Life Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.2478/s11535-013-0210-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe epigeic lichen biota of ten post-smelting slag dumps were studied to identify the ecological importance of Cladonia species in spontaneous succession within artificial areas. Species diversity, abundance, constancy and cover indices were determined at the initial stages of vegetation establishment. Substrates under lichen vegetation were characterised in terms of the pH, organic C and total N content, C/N ratio and Zn, Pb, Cd and As concentration. Species occurrence and abundance indices were related to habitat type, enabling the ability to identify species-specific responses to environmental factors. Despite the unfavourable and artificial habitat conditions at dump sites, some Cladonia appear abundant and form swards, with Cladonia rei as a dominant species. They appear to be well-adapted for slag substrate and their special arrangement illustrative of site contamination. Certain sward-forming Cladonia lichens play a fundamental role as effective pioneers in the initial stage of succession and provide stable plant cover development.
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