Application of FT-Raman spectroscopy to an ecological study of the lichen Xanthoparmelia scabrosa in the supralittoral zone, Hong Kong

• Published in: Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy Vol. 54; no. 7; pp. 967 - 982
• Main Authors: Chu, F.J, Seaward, M.R.D, Edwards, H.G.M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.07.1998
• Subjects: Coastal ecology; Ecology; FT Raman spectroscopy; Lichen supralittoral; Lichens; Xanthoparmelia scabrosa; Coastal ecology; Lichen supralittoral; Lichens; Ecology; FT Raman spectroscopy; Xanthoparmelia scabrosa
• ISSN: 1386-1425
• DOI: 10.1016/S1386-1425(98)00027-4

FT-Raman spectra of the foliose lichen Xanthoparmelia scabrosa sampled from ten supralittoral sites in Hong Kong have been obtained and the relative intensities of nine key vibrational features have been monitored. The relative intensity of the ν(CC) carotenoid band at c. 1525 cm −1 changes by up to 400% between sites and that of the ν(CC) aromatic ring stretching at c. 1000 cm −1 by 100% between sites. A multivariate analysis of the Raman spectra and environmental indicators, such as heavy metals, was carried out and the effects of these indicators on the spectral bands is assessed. No evidence was found in the spectra for hydrated calcium oxalate or incorporation of the substratal material. In the case of other lichen species studied the presence of crystalline α-quartz in the thalli was identified using Raman spectroscopy; this indicated that possibly a physical rather than chemical biodeteriorative strategy operated for these species.