How polluted is the air we breathe?
Join the survey being led by our partner OPAL and help our scientists find out more about the way that air pollution is changing the world around us.
Good air quality is essential for our health and for the wellbeing of our natural environment. But with pollution coming from cars, planes, industry and agriculture, good air quality is something we can not take for granted.
By taking part in the OPAL air survey you can find out how polluted the air is near you and which plants are being affected You’ll help us answer important questions about the impact of air quality across England.
Using Lichens as indicators of air polution
We can learn much about air quality from the species that live nearby. Lichens are good air pollution indicators – they can be found almost everywhere and some are tolerant of pollution while others are sensitive to it. By recording the lichens on trees in your area, you’ll help us discover more about the pollutants in the air.
The OPAL air survey consists of two main activities. The first records the presence of lichens and the second investigates the tar spot fungus on sycamore leaves. Both can tell us a great deal about local air quality.
Did you know?
Lichens actually consist of two types of organisms living together, a fungus and an alga. The fungus provides protection and the alga provides food.
View and compare results online
Once you’ve completed the survey, you’ll be able to enter your results online and see your contribution on an interactive map. You’ll also be able to compare your results with existing pollution data.
How to take part
The survey begins in September 2009. All you need to take part is a survey pack. Survey packs will be available in September and come with easy-to-follow instructions and identification guides to make taking part simple and fun. Our survey packs will also be available online closer to the survey launch.
Reserve your survey pack today
To reserve your survey pack please email your address, the name of your school, group or organisation if relevant and the quantity you require to opalair@imperial.ac.uk.
Contact details
For further information please email opalair@imperial.ac.uk