Evaluation of levels of plumbic pollution near Highway using phanerogamic and cryptogamic species in the city of Annaba (Algeria)

Abstract

Nowadays, a serious problem emerged in the natural environments of many countries: they are increasingly subjected to a large number of air pollution: industrial pollution, pollution related to agriculture, but also pollution related to transport. The pollution of lead has constantly evolved over time, due to the considerable increase in the number of vehicles on the market. Our work is based primarily on the use of plants as bio indicator of air pollution in the region of Annaba. The evaluation of the pollution levels near the main roads is a complex exercise, given the many factors to consider at this scale. To do this, we chose three locations on three main roads Greater Annaba: ((RN 44): Annaba - El Kala; (RN 16): Annaba - El Hadjar; (RN 44): Annaba - Skikda), plants used are: phanerogamic namely species (Fraxinus angustifolia, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, and Eriobotrya japonica) and a cryptogamic species (a lichen (Ramalina farinacea)). An appropriate sampling strategy, a spatio-temporal monitoring, a counting vehicle at our study sites and measurements of physiological parameters combined with the determination of lead allowed us to assess not only the state of the air quality but also the impact of this pollution on the environment caused by a heavy traffic in the area. Keyword: Pollution, lead, bio indication, bioaccumulation, road traffic, Annaba, Algeria.