ASSESSMENT OF AIR QUALITY AT SELECTED LOCATIONS IN THE MEZA VALLEY USING EPIPHYTIC LICHENS

In the spring of 2022, we conducted an inventory of epiphytic lichens at 12 selected locations in the Meza Valley using both the Slovenian SI and German VDI methods for assessing air quality. The appearance of epiphytic lichens is primarily influenced by gaseous air pollutants. Additionally, we determined toxicity tolerance indices. We recorded a total of 34 species of epiphytic lichens on free-standing trees, with 25 species in the Upper Meza Valley and 27 species in the Lower Meza Valley. Based on the calculation of the average toxicity tolerance index for each location, we found that all locations are dominated by species that are less sensitive to air pollution. The highest air purity index, determined by the VDI method, was calculated for Lom, followed by Zerjav and Tolsti Vrh, where we also recorded the largest number of lichen species. The condition of lichen vegetation at all examined locations is comparable, indicating moderate air pollution levels. Locations of particular concern include Dolgo Brdo and Preski Vrh, where exposure to gaseous pollutants is high to moderate. Dolgo Brdo also exhibited poor lichen coverage. The calculated indices of air purity showed that the air quality in the Upper Meza Valley is slightly better than that in the Lower Meza Valley, but the differences are not statistically significant.