The Lichen Flora Near a Lead-Zinc Mine at Maarmorilik in West Greenland

• Published in: The Lichenologist
• Main Author: Hansen, E. S.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1991
• Subjects: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Greenland; Maarmorilik
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s002428299100052x; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S002428299100052X

Abstract Eighty-seven lichen taxa were collected at four localities near the leadzinc mine at Maarmorilik. These are listed alphabetically and grouped according to their ecological preferences. Lichens, which in Greenland are restricted to calcareous rocks and alkaline soil substrata, are well represented in the Maarmorilik area. In contrast, ferrugineous lichens appear to be comparatively rare. The lichens around the mining town are assumed to have accumulated significant concentrations of airborne lead and zinc. However, no damage to the lichens caused by heavy metals was observed.