Two national monitoring surveys were carried out within 5 years, using Parmelia sulcata as a biomonitor of trace-element air pollution. The method of sampling was standardized. The lichen samples were analysed by neutron activation analysis. Local variations in element concentrations in lichens from various deciduous tree species from several sampling sites were established. The geographical concentration patterns obtained from the lichen data sets agreed with the element concentration gradients obtained from one dispersion model and measured data of atmospheric concentrations and deposition. Comparison of the two lichen data sets showed the relationship of the geographical concentration patterns with time. Combination of the available data gave insight into the possibility of localization of pollution sources.