Xanthoria parietina as a bio-monitor of airborne heavy metal pollution in forest sites in the north east of Morocco

World Congress on Environmental Toxicology and Health

July 11-12, 2018 Sydney, Australia

El Rhzaoui Ghita

Mohammed V University, Morocco

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Environ Anal Toxicol

Abstract :

Xanthoria parietina common foliose lichen, growing in its natural habitat, was analyzed for the concentration of five heavy metals (Fe, Cr, Zn, Pb and Cu) from different forest sites of north east of Morocco (Kenitra, Sidi Boughaba, Mkhinza, Ceinture Verte near Temara city, Skhirat, Bouznika and Mohammedia). The quantification was carried out by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). Results were highly significant p<0.001. The concentration of metals is correlated with the vehicular activity and urbanization. The total metal concentration is highest at the Kenitra area, followed by Ceinture Verte site near Temara city, which experience heavy traffic throughout the year. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of particulate matter on lichen of Xanthoria parietina was assessed as a complementary technique to wet chemical analysis for source apportionment of airborne contaminant. Analysis revealed high level of Cu, Cr, Zn and Pb in samples near roads.