Selected Environmental Monitoring For Lead Using Lichens As Biomonitor And Suggestions For Remedial Action (P-1560) (MFN 2795)

Abstract

Lead has been known as potential health hazard. It is a known man and wildlife toxicant which necessitates its continual determination in the environment. Automobiles and industrial machinery exhaust are well known for contributing environmental lead burden. The present investigation was undertaken for environmental assessment of different areas with respect to lead contamination. The study area includes five different sites located on the GT road from Islamabad to Murree, starting from Islamabad toll plaza near Barakhau up-to Bhurban. Samples of available lichen species were collected, dried, digested, and analysed using iCP Spectrometer. The sample collected from Site 3 shoed the maximum average value of lead i.e. 31.3 ppm, while minimum average value of 20 ppm was observed at Site 5. The data obtained through this study, as discussed in the earlier section, do confirm the existence of the lead pollution along the road sides and the results confirmed that the lichen species could be used for monitoring the lead pollution levels as and where required.