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THE UPTAKE OF METAL IONS BY LICHENS: A MODIFIED ION‐EXCHANGE PROCESS
Author(s) -
PUCKETT K. J.,
NIEBOER E.,
GORZYNSKI M. J.,
RICHARDSON D. H. S.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.1973.tb02040.x
Subject(s) - lichen , metal , chemistry , ion exchange , ion , metal ions in aqueous solution , selectivity , environmental chemistry , inorganic chemistry , botany , biology , biochemistry , organic chemistry , catalysis
SUMMARY Heavy metal ions were absorbed by lichens to different degrees in laboratory experiments. The relative capacities for uptake from solutions containing a single metal ion were Fe, Cu>Ni>Pb>Co>Zn. Competitive uptake studies revealed the selectivity sequence Fe>Pb>Cu>Ni, Zn>Co. The sequences are in accord with a cation uptake mechanism involving ion exchange modified by metal‐complex formation. Correlations between laboratory studies and the metal content of lichens growing in the vicinity of a smelter are discussed.