IJCRR - 5(5), March, 2013
Pages: 01-06
ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY IN HARWAN AREA OF SRINAGAR DISTRICT (J&K), USING LICHENS AS BIO-INDICATORS
Author: Asma Hussan, G. A. Bhat, Mukhtar Ahmad Sheikh
Category: General Sciences
[Download PDF]
Abstract:
The present study deals with the monitoring of lichens in a sub-urban area, Harwan, free from any direct polluting source was done with the aim that how air quality of area can be assessed using lichens as indicator and establishing the fact that how cleaner environment supports better diversity and density of lichens. The variety and variability data on Lichen species was collected and correlated with the air analysis data that was obtained using High volume Air Sampler. Analysis of air quality in the air was based on determining fraction of SPM (Suspended Particulate Matter), RSPM (Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter), NRSPM (Non-Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter), SO2 (Sulphur dioxide) and NO2 (Nitrogen dioxide) on seasonal basis i.e spring, summer and winter season on six (6) hourly basis. Quadrats of 25cm x 25 cm size, three on each tree, were laid from base to chest height for recording the data on frequency, density and abundance of lichens growing on the selected trees. Chlorophyll analysis, pH of host trees and water holding capacity was determined The study revealed the occurrence of 14 species of lichens belonging to 11 genera and 5 families. The air quality parameters were generally found within permissible limits with slight variation in different seasons. The data on the quantitative parameters i.e frequency, density and abundance of lichen species showed good values. Analysis of data further revealed that chlorophyll content of species is quite good in the area. The present communication thus serves as baseline record regarding the level of various pollutants including particulate matter and the number of lichen species for conducting biomonitoring studies in future.
Keywords: Lichens, Biomonitoring, Environmental Quality, Harwan, Kashmir.
Citation:
Asma Hussan, G. A. Bhat, Mukhtar Ahmad Sheikh. ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY IN HARWAN AREA OF SRINAGAR DISTRICT (J&K), USING LICHENS AS BIO-INDICATORS International Journal of Current Research and Review. 5(5), March, 01-06
References:
1. Asta J, Ehardt W, Ferretti M, Fornasier F, Kirschbaum U, Nimis PL, Purvis OW, Pirintsos SA, Scheidegger C, Van Haluwyn C, Wirth V. Mapping lichen diversity as an indicator of environmental quality. In: Nimis PL, Scheidegger C, Wolseley P, editors. Monitoring with Lichens- Monitoring Lichens. NATO Science Series, Kluwer; 2002. p. 273-279.
2. Awasthi DD, Singh KP. A note on lichens of Kashmir. Curr Sci 1970; 39 : 441-442.
3. Awasthi DD. A key to Microlichens of India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Biblioth. Lichenolog 1991; 40:1-337.
4. Awasthi DD. A key to Macrolichens of India and Nepal. J Hattori Bot Lab 1998; 65: 207- 302.
5. Awasthi DD. Lichenology in Indian Subcontinent. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehradun, India; 2000.
6. Awasthi DD. A Compendium of the Macrolichens from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehra Dun, India; 2007.
7. Billing WD, Drew WB. Amer Midl Natur 1938;20:302-330.
8. Charak S, Sheikh MA, Raina AK, Upreti DK. Ecological impact of coal mines on lichens: A case study at Mogla coal mines Kalakote (Rajouri), J and K. J Appl Nat Sci 2009;1(1): 24-26.
9. Culberson. Improved conditions and new data for the identification of lichen products by a standardized thin layer chromatographic method. Journal of chromatography 1972;72:113-125.
10. Divakar PK. Revisionary studies on the lichen genus Parmelia sensu Lato in India. Ph.D. Thesis, Lucknow, University Lucknow, India; 2001.
11. Gries C, Sanz MJ, Romagni JG, Goldsmith S, Kuhn U, Kesselmeier J, Nash TH. The uptake of gaseous sulfur dioxide by nongelatinous lichens. New Phytologist 1997; 35:595-602.
12. Murphy KJ, Alpert P, Cosentino D. Local impact of a rural coal burning generating station on lichen abundance in a New England. Environmental pollution 1999; 105:349-354.
13. Nash TH, Egan RS. The biodiversity of lichens and bryophytes. In: Nash TH, Wirth V, editors. Lichen, Bryophytes and air quality. Bibl Carmer in der Gebr Borntra Verlag Berlin, Stuttgart. Lichenol.1988; 30: 11-22.
14. Nayaka S. Revisionary studies on the lichen genus Lecanora sensu Lato in India. Ph.D. Thesis, Dr. R.M.L. Avadh University Faizabad, India; 2004.
15. Negi HR, Upreti DK. Species diversity and relative abundance in lichens in Rumbuk Catchment of Hemis National Park in Ladakh. Curr Sci 2000;78(9):1105-1112.
16. Rao, de Blanc. Effect of SO2 on the lichen algae, with special references to chlorophyll. The Bryologist 1965; 69(1):69-74.
17. Saxena S, Upreti DK, Neeta S. Heavy metal accumulation in lichens growing in north side of Lucknow city, India. J Environ Biol 2007; 28: 49-51.
18. Sheikh MA. Taxonomic and ecological studies on lichens of some major forest sites of Jammu and Kashmir. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Jammu, Jammu, India; 2009.
19. Sheikh, MA, Upreti DK, Raina AK. An enumeration of lichens from three districts of Jammu and Kashmir, India. J Appl Biosci, 2006a; 32(2): 189-191.
20. Sheikh, MA, Upreti DK, Raina AK. Lichens diversity in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Geophytology 2006a; 36(1and2): 69-85.
21. Sheikh, MA, Upreti DK, Raina AK. Lichen flora of Surinsar-Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary, Jammu and Kashmir. J Appl Nat Sci 2009; 79- 81.
22. Showman RE. Lichen recolonization in the upper Ohio River Valley. Bryologist 1990; 93: 427-428.
23. Smith C, Geiser L, Mc Cune B, Ryan B, Showman R. Species and communities. In: Huckaby LS editor.Lichens in Bioindicators of air quality, Chicago, Fort Collins, 1993. p.41-66.
24. Walker FJ, James PW.A revised guide to the microchemical technique for the identification of lichen products. Bull Brit Lich Soc. 1980; 46: 13-29.
|