Author

Vartika Gupta1,2*, Namita Gupta3, Sanjeeva Nayaka1, Seshu Lavania2, Pankaj K. Srivastava4

Abstract

The lichens are self-sustaining, long-living symbiotic systems that result from the symbiosis between mycobiont and photobiont. The lichen biodiversity is sensitive to environmental circumstances since certain species are more indulgent in environmental influences. The lichens accumulate both inorganic and organic pollutants present in the air and soil. The lichens are utilized in biomonitoring studies as bioindicators of environmental changes such as air pollution and climate change. Among the diverse lichen taxa, genera Dirinaria, Heterodermia, Physcia, and Pyxine are well-known groups having toxitolerant nature. Several studies utilizing Pyxine cocoes are available throughout the world. Thus, the present review aims to consolidate various methods adopted to monitor the quality of the environment utilizing the lichen P. cocoes in various parts of the world. To get insight into current practices, developments, and difficulties, a total of 25 prior studies over the preceding 12 years were examined in this review.
Based on the research area and scope, content analysis was used to categorize and comprehensively characterize the available biomonitoring studies using lichen into several groups. Two basic techniques of biomonitoring using lichen P. cocoes involving different scopes and types of parameters are also discussed. The pollutants can be introduced into the environment by either geogenic or anthropogenic emissions viz., soil, rocky dust, burning of fossil fuels and waste, roadsides dust, agricultural practices including the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, transportation, construction, and urban waste. Accumulation of various metals viz., As, Al, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Cr, Cd, F, Hg, K, Ca, Mg and Na in the thalli of P. cocoes is also presented. The EDX spectra studies together with FTIR analysis showed 41.1 to 53.53% elemental composition in P. cocoes and the presence of various anionic sites (e.g., hydroxyl, amine, carboxyl groups) where metal binds on the lichen thalli. Thus, the review indicates that P. cocoes is a potential biomonitor, bioindicator, and bioaccumulator.

Pages: 245-256

Doi Number 10.61289/jibs2023.28.09.1179

Keywords Air pollution, Biodiversity, Bioindicator, Environmental quality, Lichens.