Heavy metal sorption in the lichen cationactive layer.

Results of copper ion sorption in lichens owing to the ion exchange between the surroundings (aqueous solution) and the lichen cationactive layer have been presented. It indicates that the course of sorption of these ions, similarly as in the case of cations of other heavy metals, depends on the concentration and type of cations naturally found in lichen surroundings: H+, Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+. A determination method of heavy metal concentration in lichen surroundings has been proposed. It consists in exposure of transplanted lichens in the presence of salts that provide precisely determined, artificial salinity of precipitation with which the lichens are in contact. The studies were conducted on Hypogymnia physodes lichens.