How does algae act as a pollution indicator?

Algae, a vital group of bacteria and plants in aquatic ecosystems, are an important component of biological monitoring programs for evaluating water quality. They are suited to water quality assessment because of their nutrient needs, rapid reproduction rate, and very short life cycle. read more

Algae act as bioindicators. Bioindicators are any species whose function or population can indicate the qualitative status of the environment it grows in. They are good bioindicators because they respond quickly both in species composition and densities to a wide range of water conditions due to changes in water chemistry. read more

Another group of algae is associated with municipal sewage treatment plants and is present in large densities in sewage stabilization ponds (lagoons). This group thrives in organically polluted waters rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, and is used as a biological indicator of organic pollution. read more

Lichens can be used as air pollution indicators, especially of the concentration of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere. Factories can cause air pollution Lichens are plants that grow in exposed places such as rocks or tree bark. read more