Air quality comparison in vilnius in 2001 - 2010, using the passive lichenoindication method

The aim of this study was to evaluate air quality of Vilnius city chosen area, by using passive lichenoindication method. 20 (1 km2 area each) squares were investigated. Epyphytic lichens communities were studied on the 156 trees, trying to hold on the same trees species that were in the 2001 made research. In the each square it was studied about 10 trees. In 2010 m. was discovered the same lichens species number (31) as in 2001, but the species set was different by species composition: lichens species, that are sensitive to the air pollution was found less than in the 2001. Epyphytic lichens species number is different on the poor and rich in mineral substance trees: on the poor bark – less lichens species were found and on the rich one – more species were found. The analysis showed that there is a link between lichens species number and Vilnius districs. Also a link between lichens species number and SO2 koncentration was discovered, nitrofylic species also are dominant in the squares. The least PI meaning was identified in Antakalnis. The biggest PI value was in the Vilnius city center. Using lichenoindication methog it was determined that: weak pollution zone wasn‘t identified in Vilnius area squars, the most of the squares were on stronger pollution zone and the rest (in the edges of the city) squares are belong to average pollution zone