PJB-2018-473
LICHEN (DIRINARIA SP.) AS BIO-INDICATORS FOR DETERMINING ATMOSPHERIC HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATION AT SELECTED INDUSTRIAL AREAS IN MALAYSIA
Azlan Abas
Abstract
Heavy metals have been found in the vicinity for a long time. In Malaysia, air pollution still measured using instrumental approach. Hence, this study used lichen as biological indicator to measure air pollution. Study been conducted in four different locations which are Rumah Tumbuhan, UKM (Control station), Section 51 Industrial Area, Petaling Jaya, Spring Crest Industrial Area, Batu Caves and Nilai Industrial Area, Negeri Sembilan. This study used lichen Dirinaria sp. an endemic species of tropical country as the biological indicator. Heavy metals been analyzed using ICP-OES and motor vehicles frequency for every sampling location recorded. One way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation used to test the relationship between heavy metals and sampling locations also relationship between heavy metals and motor vehicle frequency. Result shows that heavy metals such as Cr, Fe, Cu, Ni, Zn and Pb have been recorded. One way ANOVA test shows there is significant relationship between heavy metals and sampling locations where F is 2.7728 and P-value is 0.0001 (where P is significant when < 0.05). Pearson’s correlation also shows the relationships between all heavy metals recorded with motor vehicles frequency are significant where all the P value are < 0.05. Heavy metals are so much related with motor vehicles frequency in the particular location. Higher frequency of motor vehicles will produce higher heavy metals concentration in the vicinity. Lichen can be used as the alternative approach in determining the heavy metals content in the environment.
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