Student Research Reports
Impact of Air Quality Factors on Lichen Species Diversity in the Sago Palm Forest of Ban Sai Khan, Khok Saba Sub-district, Na Yong District, Trang Province
Organization(s):Sawat Rattanapimuk
Country:Thailand
Student(s):Miss Narathip Songpin
Miss Pennapha Meesee
Mister Jirapat Sanee
Grade Level:Secondary School (grades 9-12, ages 14-18)
GLOBE Member(s):Weerawit Anuntanasin
Contributors:Miss Narathip Songpin
Miss Pennapha Meesee
Mister Jirapat Sanee
Mr. Weerawit Anuntanasin
Mrs. Karnrawee Churat
Report Type(s):Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Clouds, Surface Temperature, Relative Humidity, Air Temperature
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Language(s):English
Date Submitted:2026-01-29
The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of air quality on the species diversity of lichens in the Sago forest at Ban Sai Khan, Khok Saba Subdistrict, Na Yong District, Trang Province. Lichen samples were collected from perennial trees, including coconut (Cocos nucifera), sentang (Azadirachta excelsa), palm, rubber (Hevea brasiliensis), and sago (Metroxylon sagu) trees, within a height range of ground level to 2 meters. Trees selected for sampling possessed a circumference of no less than 50 centimeters, measured at a height of 130 centimeters above the ground. Subsequently, the size of the lichens was measured using a ruler, and photographic records were taken.
The results indicated that in December 2025, the average maximum temperature was 36.7°C, the average minimum temperature was 23.6°C, and the average relative humidity was 80%. In January 2026, the average maximum temperature was 40.4°C, the average minimum temperature was 23.4°C, and the average relative humidity was 81%.
Regarding lichen diversity in the Sago forest, the survey revealed the following: On coconut trees, Crustose lichens (Tephromela sp.) and Squamulose lichens (Phyllopsora furfuracea) were found. On sago and sentang trees, Crustose lichens (Sarcographa labyrinthica) were identified. On rubber trees, Crustose lichens (Tephromela sp., Graphis sp., and Diorygma sp.) and Squamulose lichens (Phyllopsora furfuracea) were observed. On palm trees, Squamulose lichens (Phyllopsora furfuracea) were present. These findings suggest that the Sago forest at Ban Sai Khan maintains clean air quality and exhibits high ecological fertility throughout the year.
Keywords: Lichen, Sago forest, Squamulose, Crustose