The multi-isotope biogeochemistry (S, C, N and Pb) of lichens: air quality approach in the Świętokrzyski National Park, Poland.

The isotope biogeochemistry of bioindicators has widely demonstrated its added value in environmental issues by allowing to precisely identify sources of contamination. Most of the studies are based on studying one or two isotope systematics. Here, we are presenting an innovative multi-proxy approach that combines chemistry with both stable (C, S, N) and radiogenic (Pb) isotope systematics.

A Glimpse into Genetic Diversity and Symbiont Interaction Patterns in Lichen Communities from Areas with Different Disturbance Histories in Białowieża Forest, Poland.

Anthropogenic disturbances can have strong impacts on lichen communities, as well as on individual species of lichenized fungi. Traditionally, lichen monitoring studies are based on the presence and abundance of fungal morphospecies. However, the photobionts, as well photobiont mycobiont interactions also contribute to the structure, composition, and resilience of lichen communities.

Understanding the evolution of phenotypical characters in the group (Pilocarpaceae) and descriptions of six new species within the group.

Six new species are described from Europe. Phylogenetic analyses, based on three loci, i.e.

(Ramalinaceae, lichenized Ascomycota), a new sorediate lichen from European old-growth forests.

A sterile sorediate member of the genus s.str., , is described here as a new species.

The coupled study of metal concentrations and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) of lichens (Hypogymnia physodes) from the Świętokrzyski National Park-environmental implications.

SO, NO, and metals (including Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Mg, Fe) present in airborne particulate matter are a major threat to preserving good air quality. The complicated pathways and transformation processes that can change their physical/chemical state in the atmosphere renders identifying their origin extremely difficult. With the objective of alleviating this difficulty, we identified and characterized potential local and regional sources of atmospheric pollutants using bioindicators (Hypogymnia physodes) from the Świętokrzyski National Park (SE Poland): 20 lichen samples were collected during winter (February; heating period) and summer (June; vegetative period) seasons and analyzed for metal contents and free radicals concentrations.

Changes in the epiphytic lichen biota of Białowieża Primeval Forest are not explained by climate warming.

Epiphytic lichens are sensitive bioindicators responding to climate change and atmospheric pollutants. Climate warming changes in lichen biota have been reported from Western and Central Europe; therefore, similar trends in the biota of the close-to-natural forests of Eastern Europe were expected. In both examinations (1987-1989 and 2015-2016) of 144 permanent plots the same field method was used.

Photobiont switching causes changes in the reproduction strategy and phenotypic dimorphism in the Arthoniomycetes.

Phylogenetic analyses using mtSSU and nuITS sequences of Buellia violaceofusca (previously placed in Lecanoromycetes), a sterile, sorediate lichen having a trebouxioid photobiont, surprisingly prove that the species is conspecific with Lecanographa amylacea (Arthoniomycetes), a fertile, esorediate species with a trentepohlioid photobiont. These results suggest that L. amylacea and B.