Heavy metal concentrations in the fruticose lichen Usnea aurantiacoatra from King George Islands, South Shetland Islands, West Antarctica

Abstract

Abbreviatons The accumulation of selected heavy metals in the fruticose lichen Usnea aurantiacoatra is reported in the vicinity of the Korean research station on Barton Peninsula, King George Island, West Antarctica. To assess the impact of human activities in the study area, all samples were divided into five groups according to distance from the research station. The corresponding heavy metal levels in samples near the station were relatively higher than those collected far from the station. In particular, a very high level of Pb near the station strongly suggests the anthropogenic release of this pollutant. The relationship between trace metal content and age of the lichen was investigated, but no significant difference was found. When evaluating the vertical distribution of heavy metals in lichen thalli, most elements, particularly Pb, accumulated preferentially in the upper parts, probably due to the morphology of U. aurantiacoatra. Therefore, the vertical distribution of heavy metals in fruticose lichens should be considered to enhance data quality in biomonitoring studies.