Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2011
Publication Title
Rhodora
Volume
113
Issue Number
962
First Page
1
Last Page
31
DOI
10.3119/10-03.1
Disciplines
Plant Sciences
Abstract
Metal-enriched habitats often harbor physiologically distinct biotas able to tolerate and accumulate toxic metals. Plants and lichens that accumulate metals have served as effective indicators of ecosystem pollution. Whereas the diversity of metal-tolerant lichens has been well documented globally, the literature of metal-tolerant lichen communities for eastern North America is limited. We examined the lichen flora of the Callahan Mine, a Cu-, Pb-, and Zn-enriched superfund site in Brooksville, Hancock County, Maine, U.S.A. Through collections along transects across metal-contaminated areas of the mine, we documented 76 species of lichens and related fungi. Fifty species were saxicolous, 26 were terricolous. Forty-three species were macrolichens, 31 were microlichens. Although no globally rare or declining species were encountered at the mine, two regionally rare or declining species, Stereocaulon tomentosum and Leptogium imbricatum, were found. The species found at the Callahan Mine were mostly ecological generalists frequenting disturbed habitats. Two extensively studied Cu-tolerant lichens, Acarospora smaragdula and Lecanora polytropa, and other known Cd-, Cu-, Pb-, and Zn-tolerant taxa, were found at the site.
Recommended Citation
N Rajakaruna, T B. Harris, S Clayden, A Dibble, and F S. Olday. "Lichens of Callahan Mine, a copper and zinc-enriched Superfund site in Brooksville, Maine, U.S.A." Rhodora (2011): 1-31. https://doi.org/10.3119/10-03.1
Comments
Copyright © 2011 The New England Botanical Club.