Lichens as bioindicators of air quality – A perspective on Caminhos do Mar - Serra do Mar State Park, SP João Pedro Santos Duarte, Beatrice Fernandes do Amaral

Abstract

The discussions surrounding the alterations and impacts caused, as well as the levels of pollutants in the atmosphere, increasingly bring to light the use of bioindicators in monitoring, with lichens being considered as excellent indicators of air quality. The ecotourism park Caminhos do Mar, located in the Serra do Mar State Park, has environmental characteristics and proximity to the industrial hub of Cubatão, an area with a history of high levels of pollutants in the past, making it an excellent option for studies and surveys relevant to the topic, raising questions and perspectives regarding the direct impact of these pollutants, as well as the ecological restoration of the previously degraded environment and its relationship with lichen diversity and occurrence. The results obtained suggest that the closer the proximity to the industrial region, the lower the diversity of lichens, limited to occurrences of species more tolerant to pollutants and environmental alterations. Furthermore, the perspective demonstrated, having these organisms as bioindicators, proves to be easily applicable, capable of being integrated into conventional monitoring and enforcement methods, thus providing more comprehensive results, in addition to savings on techniques, instruments, and more advanced technologies, especially in remote areas.