Abstract

ANZE MARTIN, Gary Rafael. Lichens from the valley of La Paz as bioindicators of atmospheric pollution. Ecología en Bolivia [online]. 1996, n.28, pp.65-80.  Epub Oct 30, 1996. ISSN 1605-2528.

This work pretends to contribute to the diagnosis of sulphur dioxide atmospheric pollution in La Paz, using bioindication as a simple, economic and accessible method considering our working environment.

The results establish that in the surroundings of the city and other valleys rich lichen communities can be found with great potential for the development of bioindication research. Through the tests executed it was found that Usnea cf. subfloridana Stirt. and Stereocaulon ramulosum (Sw.) Räusch. are the most suitable species to be used as bioindicators with physiological response to atmospheric sulphur dioxide.

With the active biomonitoring essay it was established that trough the principal axis of the city (San Francisco - Següencoma) there are atmospheric pollutíon problems that can by seen by the physiological response of the exposed lichens.

Although it is very difflcult to affirm that sulphur dioxide is the only responsible for the reported damage, considering the similitude of the symptoms (depression of respiration rates) with those reported in the laboratory tests, it can be established that atmospheric levels of sulphur dioxide must be related with the reported changes.

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