Understanding physiological, elemental distribution and bioaccumulation responses of crustose and foliose lichens in the vicinity of coal-based thermal power plant, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Environmental pollution, especially from coal-based thermal power plants, poses significant risks to human respiratory health and the environment. This study evaluates the diversity of lichens in the areas. Physiological and bioaccumulation responses of two crustose lichens ( and ) and one foliose lichen () in the vicinity of the Feroz Gandhi Unchahar National Thermal Power Corporation, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India were also assessed. These lichens, exposed to emissions including fly ash, greenhouse gases, metals, and particulate matter were analyzed for metal accumulation and physiological responses. Changes in physiological parameters and metal profiles concerning distance from the coal-based thermal power plant to the outskirts were analyzed for and by utilizing Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The study identified 18 lichen species from 12 genera and 10 families in the area, with newly recorded in Uttar Pradesh. The dominant species, and , preferred substrates like and bark. Physiological analyses revealed variations in pigment concentrations, with significant differences in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, and chlorophyll degradation, while protein content remained stable. Metal accumulation studies showed nine metals with distinct patterns, had higher concentrations in the west (52730.61 µg g) and in the east (23628.32 µg g). Correlation analyses indicated significant relationships between paired elements, suggesting specific sources of environmental contamination. This research highlights the significance of integrating physiological and environmental factors to understand lichen responses to coal based thermal power plant.