Assessment of environmental pollution in coastal areas of northern seas using lichens as bioindicators

Ecosystems in northern coastal areas are highly susceptible to environmental pollution. Its levels can be assessed using physical and chemical methods. In recent years, biological methods are also attracting increased attention, in particular those using lichens as bioindicators. Lichen flora is resistant to any climatic changes, including extremely low temperatures of northern areas. In addition, lichen communities immediately respond to any biochemical, geochemical, etc., changes caused both by natural and anthropogenic factors. Lichens actively accumulate heavy metals and other pollutants in their thalli, thus enabling scientific research. In this article, we describe a methodology for bioindication of environmental pollution using lichen flora. Assessment criteria for lichen bioindication are provided. The importance of monitoring the state of ecosystems in the coastal areas of northern seas using lichens as bioindicators is emphasized.