Environmental pollution, especially from coal-based thermal power plants, poses significant risks to human respiratory health and the environment. This study evaluates the diversity of lichens in the areas. Physiological and bioaccumulation responses of two crustose lichens (Bacidia incongruens and Rindoina sophodes) and one foliose lichen (Pyxine cocoes) in the vicinity of the Feroz Gandhi Unchahar National Thermal Power Corporation, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India were also assessed. These lichens, exposed to emissions including fly ash, greenhouse gases, metals, and particulate matter were analyzed for metal accumulation and physiological responses. Changes in physiological parameters and metal profiles concerning distance from the coal-based thermal power plant to the outskirts were analyzed for B. incongruens, R. sophodes and P. cocoes by utilizing Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The study identified 18 lichen species from 12 genera and 10 families in the area, with Pyxine sorediata newly recorded in Uttar Pradesh. The dominant species, B. incongruens, P. cocoes, and R. sophodes, preferred substrates like Mangifera indica, Acacia nilotica, and Azadirachta indica bark. Physiological analyses revealed variations in pigment concentrations, with significant differences in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, and chlorophyll degradation, while protein content remained stable. Metal accumulation studies showed nine metals with distinct patterns, B. incongruens had higher concentrations in the west (52730.61 µg g-1) and P. cocoes in the east (23628.32 µg g-1). Correlation analyses indicated significant relationships between paired elements, suggesting specific sources of environmental contamination. This research highlights the significance of integrating physiological and environmental factors to understand lichen responses to coal based thermal power plant.
Keywords: Coal; emission; lichenized fungi; particulate matter; pollutants.
This study contributes significantly to lichenological and environmental monitoring by documenting the occurrence and physiological responses of lichen species in the vicinity of a thermal power plant. The study reports the Pyxine sorediata as a new addition to the lichen flora of Uttar Pradesh, India. Furthermore, the research comprehensively analyzes photosynthetic pigments and metal accumulation in Bacidia incongruens, Pyxine cocoes, and Rinodina sophodes. This study marks the first time these three lichen species have been compared based on their physiological characteristics and metal profiles, highlighting the difference between crustose and foliose lichen. The study uniquely correlated the physiological parameters and metal accumulation pattern of these lichen species with their spatial distribution around the coal-based Feroze Gandhi Unchahar National Thermal Power Plant. The detailed PCA analysis offers new insights into the distinct sources and distribution patterns of various metals in the environment. The novelty of the work also lies in the revival and focused study of lichen species to explore their responses to environmental stressors. By investigating the physiological, elemental distribution and bioaccumulation characteristics of both crustose and foliose lichens in the vicinity of thermal power plant, the research highlights the unique potential of these lichens as bioindicators. The approach not only provides critical insights into pollution levels and ecosystem health but also underscores the importance of lichens in environmental monitoring and conservation efforts.