Carotenoids in certain lichens of Białowieża Forest

Research identifies a diverse array of carotenoids in lichens from Białowieża Forest, with concentrations varying significantly across species and environmental conditions. The study detected 15 distinct carotenoids, including α-carotene, β-carotene, and astaxanthin, with total content ranging from 16.83 to 92.98 µg per gram of dry weight. Notably, differences in carotenoid composition and concentration were observed among species collected from niches with varying insolation levels. The findings were obtained using column- and thin-layer chromatography techniques, providing insights into the biochemical adaptations of lichens in this UNESCO-listed biodiversity hotspot.

Czeczuga, B. (2014). Carotenoids in certain lichens of Białowieża Forest. Acta Societatis Botanicorum Poloniae, 63(1), 21–24. https://doi.org/10.5586/asbp.1994.003