Tell us about the role of lichens in nature. what harmful chemicals can lichens accumulate?

Lichens are important for several reasons. One important function of lichens is that they provide a mode of survival in harsh environments where algae usually cannot survive. Since the fungus can protect its algae, these normally water-hungry organisms can live in dry, sunny climates without dying, as long as there are occasional rain showers or floods so they can recharge and store food during the next drought period.

One of the ways lichens directly benefit humans is through their ability to absorb everything in their atmosphere, especially pollutants. Lichens can provide us with valuable information about the environment around us. Any heavy metals or carbon or sulfur or other pollutants in the atmosphere are sucked into the lichen.