Air Pollution Monitoring in Delhi City by Using Lichen Transplant Technique

Abstract

Air pollution biomonitoring was first time done in Delhi by using lichen transplanted technique (LTT). Lichens are biomonitoring indicator and effect of atmospheric pollutants on physiological integrity was examined. Samples made of epiphytic foliose lichen Pyxinecocoes(Sw.) Nyl. were actively transplanted at five different sites in Delhi (bus-stop, residential area, commercial area, industrials area and highways) for monitoring the quantitative estimation of heavy meatls (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Fe and Zn) contained in the lichen thallus at vertical positions and also potential quantum yield of photosystem II (fluorescence ratio Fv/Fm), change in the concentration of pigmentation and chlorophyll degradation ratio. The highest concentration is of Iron (Fe) in all the sites and the lowest concentration is of Cadmium (Cd) in all the sites. Two metals Arsenic (As) and Chromium (Cr) were not detected (N.D) in any of the sites in the present study. Rain also interrupted the transplantedperiod. Bus-stop and highways are most polluted as compared to residential, commercial area. It was also evident from this study that vehicular emission played a significant role in the releasing of elements as pollutants in the surrounding environment.