Understanding physiological, elemental distribution and bioaccumulation responses of crustose and foliose lichens in the vicinity of coal-based thermal power plant, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India

Environmental pollution, especially from coal-based thermal power plants, poses significant risks to human respiratory health and the environment. This study evaluates the diversity of lichens in the areas. Physiological and bioaccumulation responses of two crustose lichens (<i>Bacidia incongruens</i> and <i>Rindoina sophodes</i>) and one foliose lichen (<i>Pyxine cocoes</i>) in the vicinity of the Feroz Gandhi Unchahar National Thermal Power Corporation, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India were also assessed. These lichens, exposed to emissions including fly ash, greenhouse gases, metals, and particulate matter were analyzed for metal accumulation and physiological responses. Changes in physiological parameters and metal profiles concerning distance from the coal-based thermal power plant to the outskirts were analyzed for <i>B. incongruens, R. sophodes</i> and <i>P. cocoes</i> by utilizing Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The study identified 18 lichen species from 12 genera and 10 families in the area, with <i>Pyxine sorediata</i> newly recorded in Uttar Pradesh. The dominant species, <i>B. incongruens, P. cocoes,</i> and <i>R. sophodes</i>, preferred substrates like <i>Mangifera indica, Acacia nilotica,</i> and <i>Azadirachta indica</i> bark. Physiological analyses revealed variations in pigment concentrations, with significant differences in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, and chlorophyll degradation, while protein content remained stable. Metal accumulation studies showed nine metals with distinct patterns, <i>B. incongruens</i> had higher concentrations in the west (52730.61 µg g^-1) and <i>P. cocoes</i> in the east (23628.32 µg g^-1). Correlation analyses indicated significant relationships between paired elements, suggesting specific sources of environmental contamination. This research highlights the significance of integrating physiological and environmental factors to understand lichen responses to coal based thermal power plant.