Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the concentration of cadmium, nickel and lead in Phlyctis argena Spreng Flot.
(white paint lichen) which was collected in two sites near a nickel mining area in Barangay Villa Cerveza, Municipality
of Victoria, Mindoro Island, and to relate the metal concentration to the local air quality condition. White paint
lichen growing on the bark of Artocarpus heterophyllus (jackfruit) trees was collected in two locations (mining site
and along roadside) in May, August and November, 2014. Heavy metals in lichens were analyzed by Flame Atomic
Absorption Spectrometer. Results showed that Ni was the most abundant metal in two sampling sites. The highest
concentration of Cd (mean=4.593 mg/kg, mining site) and Pb (mean=44.02 mg/kg, road side) was observed in May
2014, whereas the lowest concentration of Pb (<0.24 mg/kg, mining site and roadside) and Cd (<0.20 mg/kg, mining
site and roadside) was observed in August and November. The possible reason for high metal deposition during the
month of May is the continuous mobilization of dust particles containing high concentrations of heavy metals by the
wind. Weathering of wastes rocks and ore materials left in mining site which is the most favorable during dry season
generates dust particles. Conversely, the highest concentration of Ni (mean=83.597 mg/kg, road side) was detected in
November, while the lowest concentration was <0.24 mg/kg in roadside in the month of May. The accumulation of Cd,
Ni, and Pb in the lichen varies with season and could be influenced by weather condition dominated by strong wind
and little precipitation, and distance from the mining site. This study showed the suitability of white paint lichen as a
bioindicator of airborne metals and may help in detecting early signs of air quality deterioration.