INTEGRUOTI GAMTAMOKSLINIAI TIRIAMIEJI DARBAI [INTEGRATED NATURAL SCIENCE INQUIRY-BASED WORKS]

While conducting the research, students applied their wide-ranging knowledge, including biology, chemistry, mathematics, technology, and informatics. Our investigation focused on air pollution across five locations in Kuršėnai, utilizing lichen bioindicator species, the maple leaf tar spot (fungus Rhytisma acerinum) test, and metal corrosion indicators. Comparative analysis of the data revealed almost identical results across different methodologies. The cleanest air was near the gymnasium, likely due to the distance of the maple trees from the road and vehicular traffic. Conversely, the most polluted air was at Vilniaus St. 48, adjacent to a bustling street. Deviations noted at Ventos St. 6 were due to research conducted away from the immediate vicinity of the road. Notably, air pollution significantly decreased 100 meters away from the street. Metal corrosion indicators emerged as the most sensitive method employed in our study.