Effects of cadmium on physiological parameters of the lichen Evernia prunastri and Ramalina fastigiata

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate in short term experiment the physiological effects and accumulation of cadmium in the lichens Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. and Ramalina fastigiata (Pers.) Ach. Treatment of lichen thalli with 5, 25, 50 and 500 μM Cd solutions caused a significant decrease in chlorophyll a and b contents and production of membrane lipid peroxidation, expressed as MDA content. Severe negative physiological effects were observed at the highest Cd concentration (500 μM Cd). Cd content in treated lichens thalli increased gradually as Cd concentration increased in treatment solutions. It was concluded that Cd exposure causes physiological and oxidative stress, with higher damage to E. prunastri due to higher Cd content bounded at intracellular sites.