Potential of Flavoparmelia caperata transplants in highly polluted environments to monitoring air quality in some urban areas: first lichen transplantation in Tunisia

Air pollution in urban areas is a major problem for human health and the environment. The aim of this study was to monitor air quality in the Tunis metropolitan area using the lichen Flavoparmelia caperata as a transplant bioindicator. Lichen samples were transplanted for 5 months at two polluted urban sites (INAT and FST) and one rural control site (Oued Zeen). Markers of oxidative stress (levels of malondialdehyde MDA), total proteins, PTEs content (Pb, Al, Fe, etc.), and chlorophyll pigments were analyzed. The results showed a significantly higher accumulation of PTEs, increased levels of MDA indicating greater oxidative stress, and a decrease in chlorophyll a and b levels in lichens transplanted to urban sites compared with rural sites. These results demonstrate the toxic impact of atmospheric pollution on the physiology of lichens in an urban environment. This study highlights the potential of F. caperata as an effective bioindicator for monitoring air quality. Monitoring the physiological responses of this self-limiting organism seems relevant for the biomonitoring of air pollution in Tunisia.