Laboratory and field measurements of water relations, photosynthetic parameters, and hydration traits in macrolichens in a tropical lower montane rainforest in Thailand.

Ecophysiological studies of lichens in tropical Asia are rare, and additional studies can increase the understanding of lichen life in this region. The main aim of this study was to observe the relationships between water availability and photosynthetic parameters, as well as hydration trait parameters, in macrolichens during the rainy and dry seasons in a tropical forest. A total of 11 lichen species growing in a lower montane rainforest in Thailand were collected and studied.

Lichen biomonitoring of seasonal outdoor air quality at schools in an industrial city in Thailand.

Poor air quality in school environments causes adverse health effects in children and decreases their academic performance. The main objective of this study was to use lichens as a biomonitoring tool for assessing outdoor air quality at schools in the industrial area of Laem Chabang municipality in Thailand. Thalli of the lichen Parmotrema tinctorum were transplanted from an unpolluted area to nine schools in the industrial area and to a control site.

Influence of washing thalli on element concentrations of the epiphytic and epilithic lichen Parmotrema tinctorum in the tropic.

To enhance the reliability of active biomonitoring of air pollution using lichens, we tested how a water-washing procedure influences element concentrations in lichens growing on bark and rock substrates. Thalli of the lichen Parmotrema tinctorum were collected from tree bark and sandstones from a relatively clean air site in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. After dry cleaning, each thallus was divided equally: the first part was directly used for element analysis, and the second part was washed with deionized water before it was sent for element analysis.