Spatial Mapping of Heavy Metals Using Lichen Bioaccumulation Capacity to Assess Air Contamination in Morocco

  • Ghita Elrhzaoui Faculty of Sciences.Mohammed V University, Morocco
  • Pradeep Kumar Divakar Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid.Spain
  • Ana Crespo Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid.Spain
  • Hikmat Tahiri Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid.Spain
  • Fatima Ezzahra El Alaoui-Faris Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid.Spain
  • Rida Khellouk Faculty of Sciences and Technology of Beni Mellal-Morocco
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21756/cab.v4i1.2
Keywords: Air pollution, Inverse Distance Weighted technique (IDW), Lichens, Spatial mapping.

Abstract

Spatial mapping of the distribution of heavy metals was performed with the Inverse Distance Weighted technique (IDW) of ArcGis-10 information system (GIS).We propose an innovative study based on information system technology and lichen biomonitoring to assess air pollution. The results demonstrated that the contamination of heavy metals (HM) fluctuates with certain hotspots with a high concentration of Cr, Pd, Cu, Cr, and Fe.The spatial mapping showed that “SidiYayha El Gharb” is the most contaminated area not only due to lithogenic sources but also from industries and traffic. Spatial mapping shows that the environment is highly affected by industrial discharges, and remediation activities should be carried out urgently to prevent serious health problems and ecological disasters.
Published
2020-06-30
Issue
Vol 4 No 01 (2020): Cryptogam Biodiversity and Assessment
Section
Research Article

Copyright (c) 2020 Cryptogam Biodiversity and Assessment

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