Abstract Detail

Bryological and Lichenological Section/ABLS

Ariyo, Olusesan [1], Shonubi, Olusola [2].

BRYOPHYTES: A Useful Tool in Heavy Metal Monitoring.

The ability of bryophytes to retain potentially toxic element has led to their use as monitors of pollution. Some species of bryophytes such as Hyophila acuminata, Anacolia laevisphaera, Barbula indica and Cyclodictyon brevifolium which were the most abundant in the University of Lagos campus were analyzed for presence of heavy metals such as Manganese (Mn), Potassium (K), Lead (Pb), Chronium (Cr), Zinc (Zn), Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni) and Cadmium (Cd) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) Analysis. From the results obtained on the concentration of heavy metals in the four bryophytes used, Calcium had the highest concentration. Potassium had an average concentration in Anacolia laevisphaera compared to the other metals Zinc was accumulated in the four bryophytes with relatively small quantities. Sodium also had relatively small accumulations in Barbula indica and Anacolia laevisphaera. The study showed that the location where these bryophytes were obtained is not polluted as the heavy metals present were in adequate concentrations. Monitoring of heavy metals through bryophytes is cost effective, and also provides efficient ways to assess the qualitative and quantitative differences in metal concentrations at distinct locations on local landscapes.

Broader Impacts:

1 - University of Lagos, Botany, Lagos, Lagos
2 - University of Lagos, Department of Botany And Microbiology, University Of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, N/A, NA, Nigeria

Keywords:
Bryophytes
heavy metals
Monitoring.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Grand Salon A - D/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PBR001
Abstract ID:94
Candidate for Awards:None