The lichen flora as bioindicator of air pollution of Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia

Four zones of lichen occurrence have been distinguished in Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia (N Poland). They are: 1) a total lichen desert zone, 2) a relative lichen desert zone, 3) a stunted growth zone, 4) a normal growth zone. Four groups of indicator species have been distinguished — they enable one to identify and characterize the lichen growth zones and the boundaries between them. Changes in the boundaries of the lichen growth zones have been predicted on the basis of the results of this study. 269 lichen species have been recorded from the study area, of which 183 have been discovered or refound during the present survey.