Abstract |
Cupressus sempervirens, Ligustrum ovalifolium and Euonymus japonicus (ever green) needles were evaluated as the possible biomonitors of heavy metal air pollution in Damascus (Syria). The needles were sampled from three sites with different degrees of metal pollution (near roads). The concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, Co, Ni, and Cu were measured by using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The maximal values of these metals were found in Ligustrum ovalifolium in site 1. Furthermore, sites with high traffic density and frequency of cars stoppage showed high heavy metal concentrations. However, the comparison of concentrations of all metals showed that the zinc and lead had the highest concentration of all. Cupressus sempervirens, Ligustrum ovalifolium and Euonymus japonicus can be successfully applied in biomonitoring of air pollution. |