Air Quality Analytics and Monitoring: A study employing transplanted Porina lichen in Mumbai City

Author:
Dubey N. & Bagla H.
Year:
2021
Journal:
Research Journal of Chemistry and Environment
Pages:
25(2): 45-53
Url:
https://www.kccollege.edu.in/pdf/2020-2021_Nilesh_Lichen_RJCE_2021.pdf
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Present work aims to investigate bioaccumulation of heavy metals of anthropogenic origin employing lichens as active bioindicators in different locations of Mumbai. Lichens actasreliable bioindicators of terrestrial air quality due to lack of significant cuticle or epidermis combined with their extraordinary capability to grow in a large geographical area. Porina Internigrans (Nyl.) Mull. Arg. was collected from different locations of Bhimashankar for 3 consecutive years, identified at National Botanical Research Institute and transplanted at 30 locations of Mumbai for three months. Dried and powdered lichen samples, standard and control were digestedandheavy metals were analyzed. Metals such as Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, CuandZn were analyzed and the correlation between exposure time and concentrations were statistically tested and enrichment factor (EF) and exposed-to-control (EC) ratio were calculated showing a spatial distribution in the concentration of heavy metals. Differences in concentrations of elements were accounted for by EC ratio, which allowed interpretation of changes in element concentrations. n this study, some high levels of metals were observed which are attributed to discrete pollution events that occurred a short time before sampling and confirming the ability of lichen transplants for active monitoring.
Id:
37560
Submitter:
jph
Post_time:
Monday, 27 January 2025 17:06