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Iron localization in Acarospora colonizing schist on Signy Island

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 October 2012

O.W. Purvis ,
P. Convey ,
M.J. Flowerdew ,
H.J. Peat ,
J. Najorka  and
A. Kearsley
O.W. Purvis*
Affiliation:
Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 5BD, UK Camborne School of Mines, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn TR10 9EZ, UK
P. Convey
Affiliation:
British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 OET, UK
M.J. Flowerdew
Affiliation:
British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 OET, UK
H.J. Peat
Affiliation:
British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 OET, UK
J. Najorka
Affiliation:
Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 5BD, UK
A. Kearsley
Affiliation:
Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 5BD, UK
*
owpurvis@gmail.com
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Abstract

A small, inconspicuous lichen, Acarospora cf. badiofusca, was discovered colonizing iron-stained quartz mica schists on the lower slope of Manhaul Rock, a recently exposed nunatak on the McLeod Glacier, Signy Island, South Orkney Islands. Thallus colour ranged from rust on exposed rock surfaces to paler orange and green in shaded crevices. This study addressed the hypothesis that colour reflects element localization, and considered substance localization within lichen tissues and responses to stress. Electron microprobe analysis of specimens confirmed that Fe is localized principally in the outer rust-coloured part of the cortex, confirming that the colour reflects Fe localization. Oxalates, widely reported as contributing to tolerance mechanisms to environmental stress, were not detected using X-ray diffraction. The upper thallus surface consisted of sub-micron particulate phases containing Fe, Al and O, suggesting mixed oxide/hydroxide phases are present and play a role in photoprotection.

Keywords

adaptationlichenMaritime Antarcticrecent colonistrust
Type
Biological Sciences
Information
Antarctic Science , Volume 25 , Issue 1 , February 2013 , pp. 24 - 30
Copyright
Copyright © Antarctic Science Ltd 2012

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