This research was carried out to evaluate the use of the inflorescence of Leptochloa fusca as a potential bio-indicator of air pollution. The presence and concentrations of heavy metals, specifically Barium (Ba), Cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Manganese (Mn), Mercury (Hg), Nickel (Ni), Uranium (U) and Zinc (Zn) in the inflorescence of Leptochloa fusca collected from two locations (high and low traffic) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). From the analysis, the concentration of heavy metals in the samples collected from high traffic roadside in their decreasing order are Zn(10.72), >Ni(6.19)> Cu (4.62), Mn (2.72)>Ba (2.02)> Cd(0.14)> Cr (0.12)>Pb (0.08)>Hg (0.03), U (0.02). The concentration of heavy metals in the samples collected from low traffic roadsides in their descending order are Zn (6.32), Mn (1.23)>Ni (1.19)> Cu (1.13),>Ba (0.19)>Cd (0.02)>Pb (0.01))> Hg (0.00)> Cr (0.00)> U (0.00). The concentration of the heavy metals in the inflorescence of L. fusca collected from high traffic locations was significantly higher than the samples collected from low traffic locations. From the study, it was concluded that high traffic roadsides are more prone to air pollution by vehicle exhaust and that the inflorescence of L. fusca is a potential bioindicator of air pollution. It is therefore recommended that proper monitoring and assessment of heavy metal pollutants should be carried out regularly to provide a better idea of the levels of pollution exposure at the roadside which can be absorbed by plants, humans, and other living organisms.
Leptochloa fusca, bio-indicator, heavy metals, automobile exhaust, air pollution
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