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Muhammad Daud, Nasir Khalid, Javed Iqbal, Shujaat Ahmad
Assessment of atmospheric pollution level using Asclepias procera leaves as biomonitor
Keywords: Asclepias procera, Biomonitor, Atmospheric pollution, Pollution load index, Instrumental neutron activation analysis
The potential of Asclepias procera plant leaves as biomonitor for air pollution monitoring has been explored by analyzing 36 elements in the leaf samples employing Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometric (AAS) techniques. The leaf samples were collected in summer and winter seasons from urban areas of Islamabad with different anthropogenic activities as well as from a rural area as a reference site. The soil samples of the respective sites were also analyzed. The reliability of the methods used was established by analyzing the certified reference materials under identical experimental conditions and comparing the results obtained with the certified values, which are in quite good agreement with each other. Pollution Load Index (PLI) of the determined elements was computed and is discussed accordingly. The uptake of metals from soil to roots, stem and leaves has also been investigated by analyzing these parts of the same plant. The results suggest that the leaves of Asclepias procera plant have a good potential to indicate the air pollution levels both in the vicinity of industrial as well as near roadside areas.
Radiochimica Acta, Oldenbourg Wissenschaftsverlag
Print ISSN: 0033-8230
Volume: 95, 07/2007
Pages: 423 - 431