Micro-scale elemental distribution in the thallus of Flavoparmelia caperata transplanted to polluted site

Abstract

The elemental microdistributions of peripheral and central parts of the lichen Flavoparmelia caperata exposed to industrial pollution were analysed, in order to better understand the elements distribution patterns in relation to the lichen constitution, thereby increasing our knowledge on uptake and release mechanisms. Nuclear microscopy techniques were used to visualize elemental distributions in sample transepts and associate their concentrations to sample morphology. The distribution data of the elements studied suggests there is biological regulation of internal concentrations. Considering thallus parts, element-specific internal translocation should be taken into account as one more factor affecting lichen “memory length”.