Sunday Times 2
Knowledge session: Lichens as air quality sensors
View(s):In collaboration with the University of Peradeniya, Dilmah Tea has been partnering for several years with the South Asian Nitrogen Hub (SANH) on a groundbreaking study examining the impact of ammonia on tropical forest ecosystems. The research sheds light on how nitrogen pollution affects biodiversity and ecosystem health in Sri Lanka and South Asia.
The research team will highlight the progress of this study at ‘Lichens: Natural air quality sensors,’ on October 3 from 2.30 pm to 5 pm at the Genesis: Dilmah Centre for A Sustainable Future in Maligawatte.
Lichens, known for their sensitivity to air pollutants, have been used in the project as bioindicators (species with the ability to measure the quality of the environment) to track nitrogen levels. The event aims to showcase how these organisms help us understand the broader implications of nitrogen pollution on tropical forests and its potential long-term impact on environmental sustainability.
Lichenologist, Dr Gothami Weerakoon, curator at the Natural History Museum in London, will present her findings on the use of lichens as bioindicators. Insights from the larger regional study led by Prof Mark Sutton, and from the Sri Lanka-focused research headed by Prof S P Nissanka of the University of Peradeniya will also be presented. Dr Ajinkya Deshpande, environmental ecologist from UKCEH will look at the project’s impact in numbers.
The consequences of nitrogen pollution on ecosystems are far-reaching, affecting not just forests but also agricultural productivity, water quality, and human health.
Those interested could register at: https://forms.gle/oCANwGfz3MuvyNbs6