Monitoring of lichenic diversity in the surrounding area of the Urban Solid Waste Treatment Plant of Meia-Serra, Madeira, Portugal

Study Extent

The sampling area was defined to include the surroundings of the treatment plant of Meia Serra, in order to identify potential effects by air pollution. The sites were placed at all main directions from the plant, at distances ranging from 200 m up to 2 km, plus a remote location.

Sampling

Measurements of lichen species coverage were measured in 10x20 cm quadrats placed in the bark of the main trunk of the phorophyte tree. Five trees were surveyed at each location. Only macrolichens were considered for this study.

Method steps

1. The lichen identification was done at the location, using lens whenever necessary. When the identification was not possible, a sample was taken for latter identification in the laboratory using binocular microscopes. Several identification keys were used in support of the identification, including floras and scientifc papers for Europe, North America and Macaronesia.

Epiphytic lichens

1. Fungi
   rank: kingdom
2. Ascomycota
   rank: phylum
3. Lecanoromycetes
   rank: class
4. Peltigerales
   rank: order
5. Lecanorales
   rank: order
6. Teloschistales
   rank: order
7. Candelariales
   rank: order
8. Nephromataceae
   rank: family
9. Parmeliaceae
   rank: family
10. Ramalinaceae
    rank: family
11. Lobariaceae
    rank: family
12. Pannariaceae
    rank: family
13. Collemataceae
    rank: family
14. Teloschistaceae
    rank: family
15. Physciaceae
    rank: family
16. Cladoniaceae
    rank: family
17. Peltigeraceae
    rank: family
18. Candelariaceae
    rank: family

Portugal, Madeira, Santa Cruz and Machico municipalities, mainly in the area surrounding the Urban Solid Waste Treatment Plant of Meia Serra