Identification of lichens around Sarcheshme copper plant and investigation of the effect of pollutants from plant on their cover and density

SO2 and other pollutants have negative effects on the environment. Activity of Sarcheshme copper plant releases high amount of gases into the environment from reflective and converter furnaces per hour. These cases reflective and converter furnaces contain 2.6% and 4.8% SO2, respectively. This study was conducted to examine the impact of these gases on the lichen flora.
For this purpose, lichen samples from 35 stations on a 5 km radius around the furnaces and according to the pattern of SO2 dispersion in three main directions were collected and identified. Cover and density of lichens were also measured.
Identification of lichens showed that twenty five species and genera were new for Kerman and were reported for the first time. Results of measuring and comparing density and cover of lichens showed that in the north-east direction, where the highest SO2 pollution was measured, density and cover of lichens were less than other sites. The density and cover were affected in the west and south-east directions respectively. Density and cover in the control station with the similar ecological conditions but no pollution in the air were at higher level as compared to other stations.
According to the results, it was determined that density and cover of lichens were affected by environmental pollutants. Generally it can be concluded tha lichen species in areas with high SO2 levels will be lower, due to the mortality and destruction of sensitive species.