Distribution Maps of the Different Levels of Elemental Concentrations Accumulated by the Lichen in the Northeast of Algeria

Abstract

An evaluation of environmental pollution in the region of Bordj Bou Arreridj (BBA), Algeria according to metallic trace elements has been carried out, to determine the levels of the 10 elements accumulated in lichens and the different sources found in the region. A total of 192 samples of Xanthoria parietina lichen were collected over an area of 3920.42 km². Sampling sites include urban sites, rural sites, green parks, sites near high traffic streets and industrial enterprises. The lichen samples were analyzed by FAAS for the ten elements and their concentrations were mapped. Concentrations of Pb, Cd, Sb and Zn were higher at urban sites and increased with proximity to highways and industrial areas. These results suggest that the composition of lichen elements is strongly affected by road traffic. While the sources of the elements Co, Ni, Fe, Mn and Cr probably come from dust from quarrying and contaminated soil deposits in particular, to the north and west of the region. This mapping of metal pollution can establish the first biological monitoring network in the study area.

Keywords: Biomonitoring of lichens, Metallic elements, Pollution sources, Distribution maps, BBA.

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/12-2-03

Publication date: February 28^th 2022