ABSTRACT
Changes in chemical composition of various species of the epiphytic lichens treated with the acidic pollutants under the laboratory conditions are investigated by means of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. It is established that alkyl nitrates, sulfates or both types of these substances are formed in the lichen samples under the influence of HNO3, H2SO4 or mixture of these acids. Hydrochloric acid and its mixtures with HNO3 and H2SO4 appear to be highly toxic and cause mainly destruction processes in the lichens. It is found out that the mid-resistant species Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl and Parmelia sulcata Tayl exhibit the best indicator properties. The application of FTIR spectroscopy in the monitoring of urban lichens allowed us to identify sulfur-and nitrogen-containing pollutants in the atmosphere around the Thermal Power Stations and along the motoways of industrial town of Tver.
