Abstract:
Bukabayeva Z, Abiyev S, Silybayeva B, Assanova U, Sharipkhanova A, Sagdatkyzy B. 2023. Epiphytic and epigeal lichens as
bioindicators of air pollution in the Burabay National Park, Kazakhstan. Biodiversitas 24: 2701-2709. Lichens are recognized as a
symbiotic association between a fungus (mycobiont) and a chlorophyll-containing partner (photobiont). Because lichens receive all their
nutrients from the atmosphere, they are very sensitive to air quality and can be used as bioindicators of pollution by heavy metals,
organic compounds and radioactive elements in the air. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of lichens as bioindicators of the
heavy metal content in the air in the Burabay National Park, northern Kazakhstan. In the period from 2018 to 2022, we studied the
floristic composition of lichens in the national park. To inform air pollution level, we determined the quantitative characteristics and
projective cover of an epiphytic lichen Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. at different heights above ground level, and the heavy-metal content
in an epigeal lichen Cladonia alpestris (L.) Rabenh (Syn. Cladonia stellaris (Opiz) Pouzar & Vĕzda) at different distances from the road
edge. We identified 56 species of lichen belonging to 23 genera and 16 families on the roadsides or in the nearby forest. We found that
the average number of individuals of E. prunastri decreased as the tree trunk height increased. The largest number of individuals (11.3)
was observed at a height of 60 cm, and the smallest (2.5), at a height of 150 cm. The analysis of C. alpestris samples taken at different
distances (50, 100, 150, 200 m) from the roadside showed that the concentrations of Pb, Cr, Cd, As, Ga, V, and Сs were high, and for all
the elements studied, except for Mn and Be, exceeded Maximum Allowable Concentration. Our study demonstrates that E. prunastri
and C. alpestris are sensitive to air pollution from road traffic and can be used as biomonitors of heavy metal pollution in the study area.
Because of the ever-increasing anthropogenic pressure on the vegetation of the Burabay National Park, we recommend further research
and monitoring of its lichen biota.
