Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

The Effects Of Sulphur Dioxide On Selected Hepatics, Steven L. Gatchel

Masters Theses

Extensive studies have been reported on the air pollutant sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and its effects on vascular and nonvascular plants. It has been shown to interrupt normal physiology, metabolism, reproduction, and alter the plant’s morphology.

Of the cryptogams, lichens have been extensively used as biological indicators of air pollution. More recently, bryophytes have been shown to be as sensitive to contaminates as lichens, and may exhibit responses to the pollutant similar to those of vascular and nonvascular plants. The threshold sensitivity of these cryptogams is about 0.5 ppm over a 12 hour period. However no study to date …