Evaluation of transplanted lichens, Parmotrema tinctorum and Usnea diffracta as bioindicator on heavy metals accumulation in Southern Peninsular Malaysia
2019
Samsiah Jusoh | Norhayati Muhammad | Alia Atikah Mohd Zulaini | Hasliza Yusof | Saliza Asman | Nor Haslina Hashim | Azlan Abas | Laily Din
Two types of epiphytic lichens, Parmotrema tinctorum and Usnea diffracta were evaluated as a bioindicator for acculumation of heavy metals in Parit Raja and BatuPahat, in southern Peninsular Malaysia. The transplant technique was applied in this study by insisting lichens into a nylon bag and hung 2-3 meters above the ground at the selected study areas for three and five months. The morphological analysis of lichen transplant was discovered by using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). By using theInductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS), the data collection of qualitative and quantitative analysis for lichen transplants were compared. The morphological analysis of P. tinctorum after exposure to air pollution did not show any significant difference with the control, while the U. diffracta indicated a significant difference over their controls. Zinc (Zn) and Lead (Pb) have the highest concentrations in Parit Raja and Batu Pahat, respectively, affected by industrial and vehicular activities. The results imply that P. tinctorum can be positively compared to U. diffracta for identifying the levels of heavy metals, due to the higher capability to accumulate heavy metals without affecting the internal structure. Therefore, P. tinctorum was found to be the best bioindicator of air pollution in this study.
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