Criptógamas epífitas como bioindicadores de la calidad del aire en la ciudad de Tulcán

Abstract

Abstract: The development of cities entails an increase in urbanization, thus causing an increase in air pollution, resulting in the deterioration of people s health. The increase in the vehicle fleet accelerates the rate of air pollution, representing a serious problem today. In response to this problem, lichens and bryophytes that have a high capacity to respond to pollution gradients have been widely used bioindicators of air pollution. In the city, nine sampling zones located at strategic points of the city were selected; 3 in the urban zone, 3 in the peri-urban zone and 3 called control zones (forest remnants). In each zone 6 to 10 trees were chosen, where the frequency and coverage of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens were recorded, covering an area of 10 x 50 cm., 48 species of epiphytic cryptogams were recorded, of which 34 were lichens and 14 bryophytes. The richness and composition of lichens and bryophytes changes in the different areas related to air pollution. Epiphytic cryptogams were effective indicators of air pollution in the city of Tulcán, identifying urban areas as sources of pollution.