Briófitos y líquenes como bioindicadores de la contaminación atmosférica en el Cantón Santo Domingo, perteneciente a la Provincia de Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas.

Abstract

Abstract: This research has been carried out to determine, first the diversity, composition and taxonomic richness of epiphytic cryptogams found in the Canton Santo Domingo and its area of influence, as well as to identify through scientific analysis if the variable of atmospheric pollution has a greater negative impact on the environmental bioindicators present in the locality. In the study, it was possible to identify and record 41 species, of which 19 correspond to lichens and 22 to bryophytes through sampling and collection of individuals from urban, peri-urban and rural plots, where it was demonstrated with the application of laboratory techniques such as the Shannon-Weaver index, NMDS and PERMANOVA; that the diversity and richness of species does not present a serious alteration of environmental degradation due to the effect of atmospheric pollutants, and that the degree of disturbance by toxic agents present in the air is not significant in the sampled areas. This allowed us to determine that the air quality in the Canton Santo Domingo and its surroundings is still acceptable for human development and environmental bioindicator species.