how do lichens absorb water and nutrients?

Question

They don't have roots so how is this done?

Answer 1

Lichens can absorb water directly from the environment into both the fungus part and the alga part of the lichen. They may get the water from the morning dew, from fog, from raindrops, and from any water around them.

Lichens get mineral nutrients from whatever they are growing upon. The fungus secretes a bit of acid to cling to the substrate. When it eats into the rock (or whatever) the minerals from the rock or other base can diffuse into the fungal hyphae.

Answer 2

Through diffusion.