Utilisation des lichens comme bioaccumulateurs de la qualité de l'air dans la région de Sétifois

Abstract

In the Sétif region, ten stations were selected to monitor air quality using biomonitoring through the accumulation of trace metal elements in the lichen Xanthoria parietina. Data from the analysis of trace metal concentrations revealed a high level of pollution by Lead, Zinc, and Manganese in the study areas of Sétif, Ain Al-Roua, Chrayguette, and Draa-Taromant. This increase could be due to the high volume of road traffic and human activities, particularly the use of pesticides in the agricultural stations of Draa Taroument (1357 mg/kg). Similarly, a high level of Copper was observed in the Ain Al- Roua region (1666 mg/kg), possibly due to emissions from quarrying activities in the area. These results highlight the need to monitor element concentrations in order to assess air quality and implement strict measures to reduce air pollution.