Study on the feasibility of using transplanted Protousnea magellanica thalli as a bioindicator of atmospheric contamination

An experiment was performed to assess the feasibility of using transplanted Protousnea magellanica (Mont.) Krog thalli as a bioindicator of atmospheric heavy metal contamination. The thalli were collected for pristine areas of Nahuel Huapi National Park and transplanted back in the same site and at different locations at Bariloche city. One year later, the thalli were collected and their elemental contents were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry. It was shown that the use of transplanted thalli as a bioindicator of heavy metals rendered results which are consistent with a previous study performed native lichen species. (author)