Question

Which of the following is the use of lichens in case of pollution?

• A. They treat the polluted water
• B. They act as bioindicators of pollution
• C. They promote pollution
• D. Lichens are not related with pollution

Answer 1

The correct option is B They act as bioindicators of pollution

Bioindicators are living organisms that respond in an especially clear way to a change in the environment. The hardy lichens are useful bioindicators for air pollution, especially sulfur dioxide pollution, since they derive their water and essential nutrients mainly from the atmosphere rather than from the soil. It also helps that, they are able to react to air pollutants all year round. Compared with most physical/chemical monitors, they are inexpensive to use in evaluating air pollution.

Lichens can also be used to measure toxic elemental pollutants and radioactive metals because they bind these substances in their fungal threads where they concentrate them over time. Environmental scientists can then evaluate this accumulation to determine the history of the local air

So, the correct answer is 'They act as bioindicators of pollution'