3. Use of Lichens in Biological Monitoring of Air Quality

This chapter focuses on biomonitoring of air quality using lichens in the industrial, urban and suburban areas in cities and in the vicinity of pollution sources, mainly based on the studies carried out in the last decades. Also lichen diversity studies in natural areas and in polluted sites, analytical methods and statistical analyses used in these studies are discussed. In addition, the text covers complementary information on the subject, for instance, environmental and anthropogenic factors which are effective on pollution sensitivity of lichen communities, negative effects of pollution on structure of lichen, metal uptake mechanisms and comparative analysis of data relating to changes in lichen vitality parameters. In particular, it is emphasized how to utilize the lichens featuring bioindicators and biomonitors to determine air quality in terms of quantities and impacts of airborne pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, heavy metals, particulate matters and radionuclides. With respect to lichen biomonitoring, the appropriate biological methods, their advantages and disadvantages, past to present studies on this subject in the world, the assessment of the relevant literature and the reliability of the obtained results are reviewed from a broad perspective. It is envisaged that this compilation will serve as a guiding source for biologic monitoring of air quality and creation of management and conservation strategies with lichens today.