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Munzi S, Graça C, Martins D, Máguas C. Differential response of two acidophytic lichens to increased reactive nitrogen availability. Biologia (Bratisl) 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-023-01366-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
AbstractLichens are one of the most responsive components of the ecosystem to reactive forms of nitrogen. In this work, we selected the lichen genera Cladonia and Usnea, composed of terricolous and epiphytic lichens respectively, and described as sensitive to nitrogen, to test the effects of different doses of nitrogen on lichen physiological parameters (photobiont and mycobiont vitality, chitin quantification, nitrogen content and stable isotopes analysis). The main objectives were to check if the activation of protective mechanisms could be stimulated in case of chronic stress (low nitrogen increase for prolonged time), and, if so, if a toxicity threshold could be identified above which these mechanisms fail. The two lichen genera were generally affected by prolonged exposure to increased nitrogen availability. However, Cladonia rangiformis was able to maintain physiological functioning at the lowest nitrogen doses used, whereas thalli of Usnea become overwhelmed. Moreover, the mycobiont appeared to be more sensitive than the photobiont responding to lower nitrogen doses. Although only studies of longer duration and testing more nitrogen doses will be able to determine an accurate toxicity threshold, these results give important clues on the use of lichens as biomonitors for the establishment of environmental policies.
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Greaver T, McDow S, Phelan J, Kaylor SD, Herrick JD, Jovan S. Synthesis of lichen response to gaseous nitrogen: ammonia versus nitrogen dioxide. ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT (OXFORD, ENGLAND : 1994) 2023; 292:1-13. [PMID: 37475978 PMCID: PMC10355123 DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2022.119396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The dominant chemical form of nitrogen pollution in the atmosphere in the U.S. is shifting from oxidized nitrogen, primarily from combustion of fossil fuels, to reduced nitrogen from agricultural animal waste and fertilizer applications. Does it matter to lichens? In this synthesis, we characterize U.S. air concentrations of the most ubiquitous gaseous forms of reduced and oxidized nitrogen, NO2 and NH3, respectively, and their direct effects on lichens. In the U.S., the 3-year average (2017-2019) of the annual mean for each monitoring site ranges up to 56.4 μg NO2 m-3 (~30 ppb) and 6 μg NH3 m-3 (~9 ppb). The spatial coverage of current routine monitoring of NO2 and NH3 likely does not accurately represent exposures of NO2 to ecosystems in rural areas or capture spikes of NH3 concentrations proximal to intensive agriculture, which are documented to exceed 700 μg NH3 m-3 (~1000 ppb) for short durations. Both NO2 and NH3 can act as nutrients to lichens, but as exposures rise, both can cause physiological stress and mortality that then change community composition and diversity. There is a growing body of evidence that lichen community composition is altered at current levels of exposure in the U.S. with estimated no effect or lowest effect concentrations from <1-3 μg m-3 NO2 and <1 μg m-3 NH3. Better spatial characterization of both NO2 and NH3 concentrations, especially near intensive agriculture, would help to characterize the extent of the impacts across the U.S. These findings are discussed in the context of U.S. air pollution policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Greaver
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
| | - Stephen McDow
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
| | | | - S. Douglas Kaylor
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
| | - Jeffrey D. Herrick
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
| | - Sarah Jovan
- USDA Forest Service, PNW Research Station, 620 SW Main, Suite 502, Portland, OR 97205, USA
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Sebald V, Goss A, Ramm E, Gerasimova JV, Werth S. NO 2 air pollution drives species composition, but tree traits drive species diversity of urban epiphytic lichen communities. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 308:119678. [PMID: 35753543 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Lichens serve as important bioindicators of air pollution in cities. Here, we studied the diversity of epiphytic lichens in the urban area of Munich, Bavaria, southern Germany, to determine which factors influence species composition and diversity. Lichen diversity was quantified in altogether 18 plots and within each, five deciduous trees were investigated belonging to on average three tree species (range 1-5). Of the 18 plots, two were sampled in control areas in remote areas of southern Germany. For each lichen species, frequency of occurrence was determined in 10 quadrats of 100 cm2 on the tree trunk. Moreover, the cover percentage of bryophytes was determined and used as a variable to represent potential biotic competition. We related our diversity data (species richness, Shannon index, evenness, abundance) to various environmental variables including tree traits, i.e. bark pH levels and species affiliation and air pollution data, i.e. NO2 and SO2 concentrations measured in the study plots. The SO2 levels measured in our study were generally very low, while NO2 levels were rather high in some plots. We found that the species composition of the epiphytic lichen communities was driven mainly by NO2 pollution levels and all of the most common species in our study were nitrophilous lichens. Low NO2 but high SO2 values were associated with high lichen evenness. Tree-level lichen diversity and abundance were mainly determined by tree traits, not air pollution. These results confirm that ongoing NO2 air pollution within cities is a major threat to lichen diversity, with non-nitrophilous lichens likely experiencing the greatest risk of local extinctions in urban areas in the future. Our study moreover highlights the importance of large urban green spaces for species diversity. City planners need to include large green spaces when designing urban areas, both to improve biodiversity and to promote human health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Sebald
- Systematics and Ecology of Fungi and Algae, LMU Munich, Menzingerstraße 67, 80638 Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Goss
- Systematics and Ecology of Fungi and Algae, LMU Munich, Menzingerstraße 67, 80638 Munich, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Ramm
- Systematics and Ecology of Fungi and Algae, LMU Munich, Menzingerstraße 67, 80638 Munich, Germany
| | - Julia V Gerasimova
- Systematics and Ecology of Fungi and Algae, LMU Munich, Menzingerstraße 67, 80638 Munich, Germany
| | - Silke Werth
- Systematics and Ecology of Fungi and Algae, LMU Munich, Menzingerstraße 67, 80638 Munich, Germany.
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Niepsch D, Clarke LJ, Tzoulas K, Cavan G. Distinguishing atmospheric nitrogen compounds (nitrate and ammonium) in lichen biomonitoring studies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2021; 23:2021-2036. [PMID: 34870671 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00274k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen speciation, i.e. distinguishing nitrate (NO3-) and ammonium (NH4+), is commonly undertaken in soil studies, but has not been conducted extensively for lichens. Lichen total nitrogen contents (N wt%) reflect airborne atmospheric nitrogen loadings, originating from anthropogenic sources (e.g. vehicular and agricultural/livestock emissions). Albeit nitrogen being an essential lichen nutrient, nitrogen compound (i.e. NO3- and NH4+) concentrations in the atmosphere can have deleterious effects on lichens. Moreover, N wt% do not provide information on individual nitrogen compounds, i.e. NO3- and NH4+ which are major constituents of atmospheric particulate matter (e.g. PM10 and PM2.5). This study presents a novel method to separate and quantify NO3- and NH4+ extracted from lichen material. An optimal approach was identified by testing different strengths and volumes of potassium chloride (KCl) solutions and variable extraction times, i.e. the use of 3% KCl for 6 hours can achieve a same-day extraction and subsequent ion chromatography (IC) analysis for reproducible lichen nitrate and ammonium concentration determinations. Application of the method was undertaken by comparing urban and rural Xanthoria parietina samples to investigate the relative importance of the two nitrogen compounds in contrasting environments. Findings presented showed that lichen nitrogen compound concentrations varied in rural and urban X. parietina samples, suggesting different atmospheric nitrogen loadings from potentially different sources (e.g. agricultural and traffic) and varied deposition patterns (e.g. urban layout impacts). Despite potential impacts of nitrogen compounds on lichen metabolism, the approach presented here can be used for quantification of two different nitrogen compounds in lichen biomonitoring studies that will provide specific information on spatial and temporal variability of airborne NO3- and NH4+ concentrations that act as precursors of particulate matter, affecting air quality and subsequently human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Niepsch
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.
| | - Leon J Clarke
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.
| | - Konstantinos Tzoulas
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.
| | - Gina Cavan
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.
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Ansaldo D, Vergara PM, Carvajal MA, Alaniz AJ, Fierro A, Quiroz M, Moreira-Arce D, Pizarro J. Tree decay modulates the functional response of lichen communities in Patagonian temperate forests. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 771:145360. [PMID: 33548723 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145360] [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: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Epiphytic and epixylic lichens respond negatively to forest degradation, climate change and pollution, but those effects may depend on functional traits or interact with the stage of tree decay. Disentangling the main drivers of lichen communities remains a challenge in regions where lichens are diverse and poorly known, as the case of Patagonian temperate forests. We used a multi-scale approach to evaluate the relationship between environmental variables, tree decay stage and lichens. We sampled lichens across three increasing scales (tree ≪ site ≪ landscape) by selecting 19 landscape units, where trees in four decay stages (snags, logs, cavity trees and healthy trees) were selected within sampling plots. A total of 35 predictors were measured over different scales, including 25 remote sensing indices of forest conditions, climate and air pollutants. Structural Equation Models were used to test the causal linkages of predictors with lichens, distinguishing functional categories (size, growth and reproductive strategy). A total of 69 lichen species were recorded. Cavity trees and logs supported the largest diversity, while snags and healthy trees had the lowest diversity. Functional lichen groups responded differently to fine-scale variables, including the diameter, height, density and pH of trees. Air pollutants affected species with sexual and mixed strategies. Lichens were sensitive to precipitation, temperature and wind speed, with foliose and sexual species responding positively to the latter. The abundance of all species and macrolichens increased with tree senescence and decreased with canopy continuity. Lichens occupying snags and logs responded negatively to primary productivity and tree senescence, but positively to soil organic matter. Our findings suggest: i) the functional structure of lichen communities varies non-linearly with the wood decay process; ii) the reproductive strategy influences the sensitivity to air pollutants, iii) climate variables influence dispersal and colonization of woody substrates; and iv) forest structure/succession interacts with tree decay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Ansaldo
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Facultad Tecnológica, Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Chile
| | - Pablo M Vergara
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Facultad Tecnológica, Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Chile.
| | - Mario A Carvajal
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Facultad Tecnológica, Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Chile
| | - Alberto J Alaniz
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Facultad de Ingeniería, Departamento de Ingeniería Geográfica, Chile
| | - Andrés Fierro
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Facultad Tecnológica, Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Chile
| | - Madelaine Quiroz
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Facultad Tecnológica, Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Chile
| | - Darío Moreira-Arce
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Facultad Tecnológica, Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Chile
| | - Jaime Pizarro
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Facultad de Ingeniería, Departamento de Ingeniería Geográfica, Chile
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Sutton MA, van Dijk N, Levy PE, Jones MR, Leith ID, Sheppard LJ, Leeson S, Sim Tang Y, Stephens A, Braban CF, Dragosits U, Howard CM, Vieno M, Fowler D, Corbett P, Naikoo MI, Munzi S, Ellis CJ, Chatterjee S, Steadman CE, Móring A, Wolseley PA. Alkaline air: changing perspectives on nitrogen and air pollution in an ammonia-rich world. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2020; 378:20190315. [PMID: 32981429 PMCID: PMC7536028 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2019.0315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Ammonia and ammonium have received less attention than other forms of air pollution, with limited progress in controlling emissions at UK, European and global scales. By contrast, these compounds have been of significant past interest to science and society, the recollection of which can inform future strategies. Sal ammoniac (nūshādir, nao sha) is found to have been extremely valuable in long-distance trade (ca AD 600-1150) from Egypt and China, where 6-8 kg N could purchase a human life, while air pollution associated with nūshādir collection was attributed to this nitrogen form. Ammonia was one of the keys to alchemy-seen as an early experimental mesocosm to understand the world-and later became of interest as 'alkaline air' within the eighteenth century development of pneumatic chemistry. The same economic, chemical and environmental properties are found to make ammonia and ammonium of huge relevance today. Successful control of acidifying SO2 and NOx emissions leaves atmospheric NH3 in excess in many areas, contributing to particulate matter (PM2.5) formation, while leading to a new significance of alkaline air, with adverse impacts on natural ecosystems. Investigations of epiphytic lichens and bog ecosystems show how the alkalinity effect of NH3 may explain its having three to five times the adverse effect of ammonium and nitrate, respectively. It is concluded that future air pollution policy should no longer neglect ammonia. Progress is likely to be mobilized by emphasizing the lost economic value of global N emissions ($200 billion yr-1), as part of developing the circular economy for sustainable nitrogen management. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Air quality, past present and future'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Sutton
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh Research Station, Bush Estate, Penicuik, UK
- e-mail:
| | - Netty van Dijk
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh Research Station, Bush Estate, Penicuik, UK
| | - Peter E. Levy
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh Research Station, Bush Estate, Penicuik, UK
| | - Matthew R. Jones
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh Research Station, Bush Estate, Penicuik, UK
| | - Ian D. Leith
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh Research Station, Bush Estate, Penicuik, UK
| | - Lucy J. Sheppard
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh Research Station, Bush Estate, Penicuik, UK
| | - Sarah Leeson
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh Research Station, Bush Estate, Penicuik, UK
| | - Y. Sim Tang
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh Research Station, Bush Estate, Penicuik, UK
| | - Amy Stephens
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh Research Station, Bush Estate, Penicuik, UK
| | - Christine F. Braban
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh Research Station, Bush Estate, Penicuik, UK
| | - Ulrike Dragosits
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh Research Station, Bush Estate, Penicuik, UK
| | - Clare M. Howard
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh Research Station, Bush Estate, Penicuik, UK
| | - Massimo Vieno
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh Research Station, Bush Estate, Penicuik, UK
| | - David Fowler
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh Research Station, Bush Estate, Penicuik, UK
| | - Paul Corbett
- Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Belfast, UK
| | - Mohd Irfan Naikoo
- Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh, India
| | - Silvana Munzi
- Centro Interuniversitário de História das Ciências e da Tecnologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Sudipto Chatterjee
- Department of Natural Resources, TERI School of Advanced Studies (TERISAS), New Delhi, India
| | - Claudia E. Steadman
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh Research Station, Bush Estate, Penicuik, UK
- School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrea Móring
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh Research Station, Bush Estate, Penicuik, UK
- School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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7
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Do Different Teams Produce Different Results in Long-Term Lichen Biomonitoring? DIVERSITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/d11030043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Lichen biomonitoring programs focus on temporal variations in epiphytic lichen communities in relation to the effects of atmospheric pollution. As repeated surveys are planned at medium to long term intervals, the alternation of different operators is often possible. This involves the need to consider the effect of non-sampling errors (e.g., observer errors). Here we relate the trends of lichen communities in repeated surveys with the contribution of different teams of specialists involved in sampling. For this reason, lichen diversity data collected in Italy within several ongoing biomonitoring programs have been considered. The variations of components of gamma diversity between the surveys have been related to the composition of the teams of operators. As a major result, the composition of the teams significantly affected data comparability: Similarity (S), Species Replacement (R), and Richness Difference (D) showed significant differences between “same” and “partially” versus “different” teams, with characteristics trends over time. The results suggest a more careful interpretation of temporal variations in biomonitoring studies.
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Munzi S, Branquinho C, Cruz C, Máguas C, Leith ID, Sheppard LJ, Sutton MA. δ 15N of lichens reflects the isotopic signature of ammonia source. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 653:698-704. [PMID: 30759595 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Although it is generally accepted that δ15N in lichen reflects predominating N isotope sources in the environment, confirmation of the direct correlation between lichen δ15N and atmospheric δ15N is still missing, especially under field conditions with most confounding factors controlled. To fill this gap and investigate the response of lichens with different tolerance to atmospheric N deposition, thalli of the sensitive Evernia prunastri and the tolerant Xanthoria parietina were exposed for ten weeks to different forms and doses of N in a field manipulation experiment where confounding factors were minimized. During this period, several parameters, namely total N, δ15N and chlorophyll a fluorescence, were measured. Under the experimental conditions, δ15N in lichens quantitatively responded to the δ15N of released gaseous ammonia (NH3). Although a high correlation between the isotopic signatures in lichen tissue and supplied N was found both in tolerant and sensitive species, chlorophyll a fluorescence indicated that the sensitive species very soon lost its photosynthetic functionality with increasing N availability. The most damaging response to the different N chemical forms was observed with dry deposition of NH3, although wet deposition of ammonium ions had a significant observable physiological impact. Conversely, there was no significant effect of nitrate ions on chlorophyll a fluorescence, implying differential sensitivity to dry deposition versus wet deposition and to ammonium versus nitrate in wet deposition. Evernia prunastri was most sensitive to NH3, then NH4+, with lowest sensitivity to NO3-. Moreover, these results confirm that lichen δ15N can be used to indicate the δ15N of atmospheric ammonia, providing a suitable tool for the interpretation of the spatial distribution of NH3 sources in relation to their δ15N signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Munzi
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - C Branquinho
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - C Cruz
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - C Máguas
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - I D Leith
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik EH26 0QB, UK
| | - L J Sheppard
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik EH26 0QB, UK
| | - M A Sutton
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik EH26 0QB, UK
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Wang CH, Munzi S, Wang M, Jia YZ, Tao W. Increasing nitrogen depositions can reduce lichen viability and limit winter food for an endangered Chinese monkey. Basic Appl Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Wang CH, Wang M, Jia RZ, Guo H. Thalli Growth, Propagule Survival, and Integrated Physiological Response to Nitrogen Stress of Ramalina calicaris var. japonica in Shennongjia Mountain (China). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:568. [PMID: 29868046 PMCID: PMC5953340 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.00568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, effects of nitrogen (N) availability on growth, survival of Ramalina calicaris var. japonica, and whether it respond nitrogen stress in an integrated physiological way was evaluated. Thalli growth and propagule survival, thalli N and phosphorus (P) content, and activity of phosphomonoesterase (PME) of R. calicaris var. japonica were determined in a field experiment. Its differentiate adsorption in ammonia and nitrate, the activity of glutamine synthetase (GSA) and nitrate reductase (NRA) also were investigated in a series of indoor experiments. The results showed that N deposition significantly decreased the growth and survival of this lichen, and the N sensitivity threshold was suggested at 6.0 kg N⋅ha-1⋅y-1. When the N deposition increased from 8.59 kg N⋅ha-1⋅y-1 to 14.24, 20.49, 32.99 and 57.99 kg N⋅ha-1⋅y-1, the growth rates of lichen thalli decreased by 26.47, 39.01, 52.18 and 60.3%, respectively; Whereas the survival rate of the lichen propagules decreased from 92.8% of control (0.0 kg N⋅ha-1⋅y-1) to 10.7% of 50.0 kg N⋅ha-1⋅y-1, when they were treated with 0.00, 6.25, 12.5, 25.0, and 50.0 kg N⋅ha-1⋅y-1 deposition. Compared with an adequate adsorption of ammonium N, no nitrate adsorption occurred when thalli was submerged in solution lower than 0.4 mM. Our results also suggested that thalli total nitrogen, N:P ratio increased with N availability, and the activity of PME was significantly correlated with thalli total nitrogen. These all indicated that phosphorus limitation occurred when R. calicaris var. japonica treated with higher nitrogen deposition. Compared with slightly effects of NRA, GSA of R. calicaris var. japonica responded nitrogen availability significantly; In addition, GSA and NRA negatively correlated with thalli growth rate and propagule survival significantly. These results indicated that nitrogen stress do decrease growth and survival of R. calicaris var. japonica, and lichen would be impacted by excess nitrogen in a integrated, not a fragmentary way, including nitrogen uptake, assimilation, even nutrient balance of nitrogen and phosphorous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Hua Wang
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Center of Ecological Protection and Management in the Three Gorges Area, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Center of Ecological Protection and Management in the Three Gorges Area, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Rao-Zhen Jia
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Center of Ecological Protection and Management in the Three Gorges Area, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Hua Guo
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Center of Ecological Protection and Management in the Three Gorges Area, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
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11
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Izquieta-Rojano S, López-Aizpún M, Irigoyen JJ, Santamaría JM, Santamaría C, Lasheras E, Ochoa-Hueso R, Elustondo D. Eco-physiological response of Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. to increased atmospheric ammonia concentrations in a forest agrosystem. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 619-620:883-895. [PMID: 29734634 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.11.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3) emissions are linked to eutrophication, plant toxicity and ecosystem shifts from N to P limitation. Bryophytes are key components of terrestrial ecosystems, yet highly sensitive to N deposition. Hence, physiological responses of mosses may be indicative of NH3-related impacts, and thus useful to foresee future ecosystem damages and establish atmospheric Critical Levels (CLEs). In this work, samples of Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. were seasonally collected along a well-defined NH3 concentration gradient in an oak woodland during a one-year period. We performed a comprehensive evaluation of tissue chemistry, stoichiometry, metabolic enzymes, antioxidant response, membrane damages, photosynthetic pigments, soluble protein content and N and C isotopic fractionation. Our results showed that all the physiological parameters studied (except P, K, Ca and C) responded to the NH3 gradient in predictable ways, although the magnitude and significance of the response were dependent on the sampling season, especially for enzymatic activities and pigments content. Nutritional imbalances, membrane damages and disturbance of cellular C and N metabolism were found as a consequence to NH3 exposure, being more affected the mosses more exposed to the barn atmosphere. These findings suggested significant implications of intensive farming for the correct functioning of oak woodlands and highlighted the importance of seasonal dynamics in the study of key physiological processes related to photosynthesis, mosses nutrition and responses to oxidative stress. Finally, tissue N showed the greatest potential for the identification of NH3-related ecological end points (estimated CLE=3.5μgm-3), whereas highly scattered physiological responses, although highly sensitive, were not suitable to that end.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Izquieta-Rojano
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Química, Laboratorio Integrado de Calidad Ambiental (LICA), Campus Universitario, Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - M López-Aizpún
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Química, Laboratorio Integrado de Calidad Ambiental (LICA), Campus Universitario, Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - J J Irigoyen
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Biología Ambiental, Campus Universitario, Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - J M Santamaría
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Química, Laboratorio Integrado de Calidad Ambiental (LICA), Campus Universitario, Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - C Santamaría
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Química, Laboratorio Integrado de Calidad Ambiental (LICA), Campus Universitario, Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - E Lasheras
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Química, Laboratorio Integrado de Calidad Ambiental (LICA), Campus Universitario, Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - R Ochoa-Hueso
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Departmento de Ecología, Darwin 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - D Elustondo
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Química, Laboratorio Integrado de Calidad Ambiental (LICA), Campus Universitario, Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
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12
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Manninen S. Deriving nitrogen critical levels and loads based on the responses of acidophytic lichen communities on boreal urban Pinus sylvestris trunks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 613-614:751-762. [PMID: 28938217 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.09.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The deposition of reactive nitrogen (N) compounds currently predominates over sulphur (S) deposition in most of the cities in Europe and North America. Acidophytic lichens growing on tree trunks are known to be sensitive to both N and S deposition. Given that tree species and climatic factors affect the composition of epiphytic lichen communities and modify lichen responses to air pollution, this study focused on the impact of urban air pollution on acidophytes growing on boreal conifer trunks. The study was performed in the Helsinki metropolitan area, southern Finland, where annual mean nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations range from 4-5μgm-3 to >50μgm-3. In addition, background forest sites in southern and northern Finland were included. The results demonstrated elevated N contents (≥0.7%) in Hypogymnia physodes and Platismatia glauca at all the sites where the species occurred. In the Helsinki metropolitan area, a higher frequency of green algae+Scoliociosporum chlorococcum and reduced numerical frequencies of other indicator lichen species (e.g. Pseudevernia furfuracea, Bryoria spp., Usnea spp.) were associated with elevated atmospheric concentrations of NO2 and particulate matter containing N, as well as elevated concentrations of inorganic N in bark. The N isotope values (δ15N) of lichens supported the uptake of oxidized N mainly originating from road traffic. Sulphur dioxide (SO2) also negatively affected the most sensitive species, despite the current low levels (1-4μgm-3yr-1). Critical levels of 5μgNO2m-3yr-1 and 0.5μgNH3m-3yr-1, and a critical load of 2-3kgNha-1yr-1 are proposed for protecting the diversity of boreal acidophytes. This study calls for measurements of the throughfall of various N fractions in urban forest ecosystems along precipitation and temperature gradients to verify the proposed critical levels and loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirkku Manninen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 65, Viikinkaari 2a, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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13
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Welden NA, Wolseley PA, Ashmore MR. Citizen science identifies the effects of nitrogen deposition, climate and tree species on epiphytic lichens across the UK. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 232:80-89. [PMID: 28967570 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A national citizen survey quantified the abundance of epiphytic lichens that are known to be either sensitive or tolerant to nitrogen (N) deposition. Records were collected across the UK from over 10,000 individual trees of 22 deciduous species. Mean abundance of tolerant and sensitive lichens was related to mean N deposition rates and climatic variables at a 5 km scale, and the response of lichens was compared on the three most common trees (Quercus, Fraxinus and Acer) and by assigning all 22 tree species to three bark pH groups. The abundance of N-sensitive lichens on trunks decreased with increasing total N deposition, while that of N-tolerant lichens increased. The abundance of N-sensitive lichens on trunks was reduced close to a busy road, while the abundance of N-tolerant lichens increased. The abundance of N-tolerant lichen species on trunks was lower on Quercus and other low bark pH species, but the abundance of N-sensitive lichens was similar on different tree species. Lichen abundance relationships with total N deposition did not differ between tree species or bark pH groups. The response of N-sensitive lichens to reduced nitrogen was greater than to oxidised N, and the response of N-tolerant lichens was greater to oxidised N than to reduced N. There were differences in the response of N-sensitive and N-tolerant lichens to rainfall, humidity and temperature. Relationships with N deposition and climatic variables were similar for lichen presence on twigs as for lichen abundance on trunks, but N-sensitive lichens increased, rather than decreased, on twigs of Quercus/low bark pH species. The results demonstrate the unique power of citizen science to detect and quantify the air pollution impacts over a wide geographical range, and specifically to contribute to understanding of lichen responses to different chemical forms of N deposition, local pollution sources and bark chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Welden
- Stockholm Environment Institute, University of York, UK; Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | | | - M R Ashmore
- Stockholm Environment Institute, University of York, UK.
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14
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Munzi S, Cruz C, Maia R, Máguas C, Perestrello-Ramos MM, Branquinho C. Intra- and inter-specific variations in chitin in lichens along a N-deposition gradient. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:28065-28071. [PMID: 28994014 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0378-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms of nitrogen (N) tolerance in lichens are not yet fully understood. Here, we investigated how the increase of chitin content is related with N excess at inter- and intra-specific levels, by using species with differing ecological N tolerances (the tolerant Xanthoria parietina and Parmotrema hypoleucinum and the sensitive Evernia prunastri and Usnea sp.) and thalli of X. parietina and P. hypoleucinum from sites with different availabilities of N of agricultural origin (livestock), as confirmed by lichen N content and δ15N. Nitrogen, chitin (N-containing compound), and ergosterol contents were measured in lichen thalli. Nitrogen and chitin contents were higher in tolerant species than those in sensitive ones (inter-specific level) and in thalli collected from the N-polluted site than in thalli from the clean site (intra-specific level). We suggest that chitin contributes to N stress tolerance in lichens, and that excess N can be partially stored as chitin (non-toxic form) in the cell walls of tolerant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Munzi
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Cristina Cruz
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo Maia
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cristina Máguas
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Margarida Perestrello-Ramos
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cristina Branquinho
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
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15
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Ochoa-Hueso R, Munzi S, Alonso R, Arróniz-Crespo M, Avila A, Bermejo V, Bobbink R, Branquinho C, Concostrina-Zubiri L, Cruz C, Cruz de Carvalho R, De Marco A, Dias T, Elustondo D, Elvira S, Estébanez B, Fusaro L, Gerosa G, Izquieta-Rojano S, Lo Cascio M, Marzuoli R, Matos P, Mereu S, Merino J, Morillas L, Nunes A, Paoletti E, Paoli L, Pinho P, Rogers IB, Santos A, Sicard P, Stevens CJ, Theobald MR. Ecological impacts of atmospheric pollution and interactions with climate change in terrestrial ecosystems of the Mediterranean Basin: Current research and future directions. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 227:194-206. [PMID: 28460237 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.04.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mediterranean Basin ecosystems, their unique biodiversity, and the key services they provide are currently at risk due to air pollution and climate change, yet only a limited number of isolated and geographically-restricted studies have addressed this topic, often with contrasting results. Particularities of air pollution in this region include high O3 levels due to high air temperatures and solar radiation, the stability of air masses, and dominance of dry over wet nitrogen deposition. Moreover, the unique abiotic and biotic factors (e.g., climate, vegetation type, relevance of Saharan dust inputs) modulating the response of Mediterranean ecosystems at various spatiotemporal scales make it difficult to understand, and thus predict, the consequences of human activities that cause air pollution in the Mediterranean Basin. Therefore, there is an urgent need to implement coordinated research and experimental platforms along with wider environmental monitoring networks in the region. In particular, a robust deposition monitoring network in conjunction with modelling estimates is crucial, possibly including a set of common biomonitors (ideally cryptogams, an important component of the Mediterranean vegetation), to help refine pollutant deposition maps. Additionally, increased attention must be paid to functional diversity measures in future air pollution and climate change studies to establish the necessary link between biodiversity and the provision of ecosystem services in Mediterranean ecosystems. Through a coordinated effort, the Mediterranean scientific community can fill the above-mentioned gaps and reach a greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying the combined effects of air pollution and climate change in the Mediterranean Basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Ochoa-Hueso
- Autonomous University of Madrid, Department of Ecology, 2 Darwin Street, Madrid 28049, Spain.
| | - Silvana Munzi
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rocío Alonso
- Air Pollution Division, CIEMAT, Avda. Complutense 22 (edif. 70), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - María Arróniz-Crespo
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Avila
- Center for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications (CREAF), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Victoria Bermejo
- Air Pollution Division, CIEMAT, Avda. Complutense 22 (edif. 70), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Roland Bobbink
- B-WARE Research Centre, Radboud University, PO Box 9010, 6525 ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Cristina Branquinho
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Laura Concostrina-Zubiri
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristina Cruz
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Cruz de Carvalho
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Teresa Dias
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - David Elustondo
- LICA, Department of Chemistry and Soil Science, University of Navarre, Irunlarrea, 1-31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Susana Elvira
- Air Pollution Division, CIEMAT, Avda. Complutense 22 (edif. 70), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Belén Estébanez
- Departamento de Biología, Unidad de Botánica, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Darwin 2, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lina Fusaro
- Dept. of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Gerosa
- Dept. of Mathematics and Physics, Catholic University of Brescia, Via dei Musei 41, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sheila Izquieta-Rojano
- LICA, Department of Chemistry and Soil Science, University of Navarre, Irunlarrea, 1-31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mauro Lo Cascio
- Department of Science for Nature and Natural Resources, University of Sassari, Via Enrico De Nicola 1, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Riccardo Marzuoli
- Dept. of Mathematics and Physics, Catholic University of Brescia, Via dei Musei 41, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paula Matos
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Simone Mereu
- Department of Science for Nature and Natural Resources, University of Sassari, Via Enrico De Nicola 1, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - José Merino
- Departamento de Sistemas Físicos, Químicos y Naturales, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Ctra. de Utrera km. 1, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Lourdes Morillas
- Department of Science for Nature and Natural Resources, University of Sassari, Via Enrico De Nicola 1, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Alice Nunes
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elena Paoletti
- IPSP-CNR, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Paoli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Pedro Pinho
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; CERENA-IST-UL, Centro de Recursos Naturais e Ambiente, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isabel B Rogers
- Lancaster Environment Center, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Arthur Santos
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pierre Sicard
- ACRI-ST, 260 route du Pin Montard, BP 234, 06904 Sophia Antipolis Cedex, France
| | - Carly J Stevens
- Lancaster Environment Center, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Mark R Theobald
- Air Pollution Division, CIEMAT, Avda. Complutense 22 (edif. 70), Madrid 28040, Spain
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16
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Munzi S, Sheppard LJ, Leith ID, Cruz C, Branquinho C, Bini L, Gagliardi A, Cai G, Parrotta L. The cost of surviving nitrogen excess: energy and protein demand in the lichen Cladonia portentosa as revealed by proteomic analysis. PLANTA 2017; 245:819-833. [PMID: 28054148 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-017-2647-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/01/2017] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Different nitrogen forms affect different metabolic pathways in lichens. In particular, the most relevant changes in protein expression were observed in the fungal partner, with NO 3- mostly affecting the energetic metabolism and NH 4+ affecting transport and regulation of proteins and the energetic metabolism much more than NO 3- did. Excess deposition of reactive nitrogen is a well-known agent of stress for lichens, but which symbiont is most affected and how, remains a mystery. Using proteomics can expand our understanding of stress effects on lichens. We investigated the effects of different doses and forms of reactive nitrogen, with and without supplementary phosphorus and potassium, on the proteome of the lichen Cladonia portentosa growing in a 'real-world' simulation of nitrogen deposition. Protein expression changed with the nitrogen treatments but mostly in the fungal partner, with NO3- mainly affecting the energetic metabolism and NH4+ also affecting the protein synthesis machinery. The photobiont mainly responded overexpressing proteins involved in energy production. This suggests that in response to nitrogen stress, the photobiont mainly supports the defensive mechanisms initiated by the mycobiont with an increased energy production. Such surplus energy is then used by the cell to maintain functionality in the presence of NO3-, while a futile cycle of protein production can be hypothesized to be induced by NH4+ excess. External supply of potassium and phosphorus influenced differently the responses of particular enzymes, likely reflecting the many processes in which potassium exerts a regulatory function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Munzi
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Lucy J Sheppard
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik, EH26 0QB, UK
| | - Ian D Leith
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik, EH26 0QB, UK
| | - Cristina Cruz
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristina Branquinho
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luca Bini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Assunta Gagliardi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Giampiero Cai
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Pier Andrea Mattioli, 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Luigi Parrotta
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 42, 40126, Bologna, Italy
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17
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Carter TS, Clark CM, Fenn ME, Jovan S, Perakis SS, Riddell J, Schaberg PG, Greaver TL, Hastings MG. Mechanisms of nitrogen deposition effects on temperate forest lichens and trees. Ecosphere 2017; 8:10.1002/ecs2.1717. [PMID: 34327038 PMCID: PMC8318115 DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We review the mechanisms of deleterious nitrogen (N) deposition impacts on temperate forests, with a particular focus on trees and lichens. Elevated anthropogenic N deposition to forests has varied effects on individual organisms depending on characteristics both of the N inputs (form, timing, amount) and of the organisms (ecology, physiology) involved. Improved mechanistic knowledge of these effects can aid in developing robust predictions of how organisms respond to either increases or decreases in N deposition. Rising N levels affect forests in micro- and macroscopic ways from physiological responses at the cellular, tissue, and organism levels to influencing individual species and entire communities and ecosystems. A synthesis of these processes forms the basis for the overarching themes of this paper, which focuses on N effects at different levels of biological organization in temperate forests. For lichens, the mechanisms of direct effects of N are relatively well known at cellular, organismal, and community levels, though interactions of N with other stressors merit further research. For trees, effects of N deposition are better understood for N as an acidifying agent than as a nutrient; in both cases, the impacts can reflect direct effects on short time scales and indirect effects mediated through long-term soil and belowground changes. There are many gaps on fundamental N use and cycling in ecosystems, and we highlight the most critical gaps for understanding potential deleterious effects of N deposition. For lichens, these gaps include both how N affects specific metabolic pathways and how N is metabolized. For trees, these gaps include understanding the direct effects of N deposition onto forest canopies, the sensitivity of different tree species and mycorrhizal symbionts to N, the influence of soil properties, and the reversibility of N and acidification effects on plants and soils. Continued study of how these N response mechanisms interact with one another, and with other dimensions of global change, remains essential for predicting ongoing changes in lichen and tree populations across North American temperate forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese S. Carter
- US Global Change Research Program, ICF Contractor, 1800 G Street NW, Suite 9100, Washington, D.C. 20006 USA
- Department of Chemistry, Brown University, 324 Brook Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02912 USA
| | - Christopher M. Clark
- US EPA, Office of Research and Development, Global Change Research Group, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N. W., Washington, D.C. 20460 USA
| | - Mark E. Fenn
- USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, 4955 Canyon Crest Drive, Riverside, California 92507 USA
| | - Sarah Jovan
- USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, 620 SW Main Street, Portland, Oregon 97205 USA
| | - Steven S. Perakis
- US Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, Oregon 97331 USA
| | - Jennifer Riddell
- Sustainable Technology Program, Mendocino College, 1000 Hensley Creek Road, Ukiah, California 95482 USA
| | - Paul G. Schaberg
- USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, 705 Spear Street S, Burlington, Vermont 05405 USA
| | - Tara L. Greaver
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711 USA
| | - Meredith G. Hastings
- Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences, Institute at Brown for Environment and Society, Brown University, 324 Brook Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02912 USA
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18
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Matos P, Geiser L, Hardman A, Glavich D, Pinho P, Nunes A, Soares AM, Branquinho C. Tracking global change using lichen diversity: towards a global‐scale ecological indicator. Methods Ecol Evol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Matos
- CE3C Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes Faculdade de Ciências Universidade de Lisboa Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5 Lisboa 1749‐016 Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia CESAM Universidade de Aveiro Campus Universitário de Santiago Aveiro 3810‐193 Portugal
| | - Linda Geiser
- U.S. Department of Agriculture‐Forest Service Watershed, Fish, Wildlife, Air & Rare Plants Washington DC 20250 USA
| | - Amanda Hardman
- U.S. Department of Agriculture‐Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region Air Resource Management Program Corvallis OR 97331 USA
| | - Doug Glavich
- U.S. Department of Agriculture‐Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region Air Resource Management Program Corvallis OR 97331 USA
| | - Pedro Pinho
- CE3C Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes Faculdade de Ciências Universidade de Lisboa Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5 Lisboa 1749‐016 Portugal
- CERENA‐Centre for Natural Resources and the Environment Universidade de Lisboa, Instituto Superior Técnico Av. Rovisco Pais Lisboa 1049‐001 Portugal
| | - Alice Nunes
- CE3C Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes Faculdade de Ciências Universidade de Lisboa Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5 Lisboa 1749‐016 Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia CESAM Universidade de Aveiro Campus Universitário de Santiago Aveiro 3810‐193 Portugal
| | - Amadeu M.V.M. Soares
- Departamento de Biologia CESAM Universidade de Aveiro Campus Universitário de Santiago Aveiro 3810‐193 Portugal
| | - Cristina Branquinho
- CE3C Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes Faculdade de Ciências Universidade de Lisboa Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5 Lisboa 1749‐016 Portugal
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19
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Paoli L, Maslaňáková I, Grassi A, Bačkor M, Loppi S. Effects of acute NH3 air pollution on N-sensitive and N-tolerant lichen species. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2015; 122:377-383. [PMID: 26342688 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2015.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Lichens are sensitive to the presence of ammonia (NH3) in the environment. However, in order to use them as reliable indicators in biomonitoring studies, it is necessary to establish unequivocally the occurrence of certain symptoms following the exposure to NH3 in the environment. In this paper, we simulated an episode of acute air pollution due to the release of NH3. The biological effects of acute air pollution by atmospheric NH3 have been investigated using N-sensitive (Flavoparmelia caperata) and N-tolerant (Xanthoria parietina) species. Lichen samples were exposed to ecologically relevant NH3 concentrations for 8 weeks, simulating three areas of impact: a control area (2 μg/m(3)), an area of intermediate impact (2-35 μg/m(3)) and an area of high impact (10-315 μg/m(3)), with a peak of pollution reached between the fourth and fifth week. Ammonia affected both the photobiont and the mycobiont in F. caperata, while in X. parietina only the photosynthetic performance of the photobiont was altered after exposure to the highest concentration. In the photobiont of F. caperata we recorded chlorophyll degradation as indicated by OD435/415 ratio, decrease of the photosynthetic performance (as reflected by the maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry FV/FM and the performance index PIABS); in the mycobiont, ergosterol reduction, membrane lipid peroxidation (as reflected by the increase of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), alteration (decrease) of the secondary metabolite usnic acid. No effects were detected on caperatic acid and dehydrogenase activity. In X. parietina, the only signal determined by NH3 was the alteration of FV/FM and the performance index PIABS. The results suggest that physiological parameters in N-sensitive lichens well reflect the effects of NH3 exposure and can be applied as early indicators in monitoring studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Paoli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, via P.A. Mattioli 4, I-53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Ivana Maslaňáková
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biology and Ecology, P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, Mánesova 23, SK-04001 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Alice Grassi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, via P.A. Mattioli 4, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Martin Bačkor
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biology and Ecology, P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, Mánesova 23, SK-04001 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Stefano Loppi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, via P.A. Mattioli 4, I-53100 Siena, Italy
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