The effect of refuse incinerator fumes on the lead and cadmium content of experimentally exposed corticolous lichens

摘要

Nine corticolous lichens have been used to detect the lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) given off by a municipal solid waste incinerator. This bioindication study involved lichens gathered from unpolluted sites around Grenoble (Isere, France) to three conditions: the first batch was set up down wind of the waste incinerator fumes, the second one was set up in the ambient atmosphere of the plant, and the third was kept in a non polluted place. After one month of exposure, the batches were compared. The lichens from the first and second batches did not show any appreciable thallus change. Pb and Cd concentrations have shown that lichens accumulate heavy metals in variable ways according to the species and to the conditions of pollution. References: 31