In 1992, a monitoring survey on a national scale was carried out using Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. as a biomonitor for trace element air pollution. The primary aim was to analyse epiphytic lichens collected at 86 sampling locations of the 16 x 16 km bioindication grid using k(0)-based instrumental neutron activation analysis (k(0)-INAA), and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) for sulphur and lead, to obtain information about the levels of elements in the atmosphere and to identify significant pollution sources. The geographical concentration patterns of the trace elements obtained from the lichen data were mapped and compared with the index of atmospheric purity (IAP) calculated on the basis of data from lichen thalli type mapping, obtained on a more dense bioindication grid in 1991. The results obtained showed good agreement between the mapping of sulphur and trace elements with the status of lichen vegetation. The most exposed regions with elevated trace element levels and lower values of IAP were in the north-western Alpine part of Slovenia which coincides with high precipitation, and in the east of Slovenia, where many local pollution sources are situated.

First studies of this kind were based on mapping of cover and frequency of crustose, foliose and fructicose epiphytic lichens on trees which were assessed also for the decline symptoms. Since 1985 epiphytic lichen vegetation has been assessed by this methods and results, expressed as a lichen map of Slovenia were used as an air quality indicator for plots of forest die-back inventory. In case studies of forest decline, in collaboration with lichenologist from Graz Univ., Austria, all epiphytic lichen species were mapped in order to obtain better measure of air quality in the area studied. Very polluted and still clean and well preserved forests were investigated. From the material collected and determined a lichen herbarium has been established on the Slovenian Forestry Inst.. Possibilites of further research and use of epiphytic lichens as air quality indicators are discussed.