The Bioscientist (Aug 2015)
The use of Lichens in the biomonitoring of heavy metal concentrations in Nnamdi Azikiwe University premises
Abstract
Heavy metals accumulation in the environment can cause dangerous ailments such as cancer, respiratory disorders, skin diseases etc to man. This work was carried out to monitor the concentrations of seven heavy metals (lead, zinc, cadmium, copper, chromium, mercury and arsenic) in four locations at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka premises, using lichen as a biomonitor. The locations were: Garba square (A), Science Village (B), Administrative Block (C) and Faculty of Environmental Sciences [Bakasi] (D). Results obtained were compared with WHO Standard (E) after analysis with (ANOVA) using SPSS computer Software (version 20) at 0.05 significant levels. It was observed that the concentrations of lead were high in C and D (0.83 and 1.25 ppm respectively) higher than E (0.50 ppm). Zinc was accumulating in three locations with B (5.87 ppm) showing the highest. The concentrations of Chromium in C and D were (0.103 ppm and 0.228 ppm respectively). Copper was increasing in all the locations, but below the standard. Cadmium in A was higher than the standard (1.17 and 0.80 ppm respectively). Mercury was not detected in any of the locations while arsenic was high in A and B (63.37 and 35.50 ppm respectively) surpassing the standard (1.00 ppm). It was advised that the sources of these metals be checked to avoid the bad effects they may cause in future.
