Lithium Concentration in Tree Rings of Cedar(Cedrus sp) Exposed to Vehicle Pollution

Abstract

Heavy metal is one of the biggest concerns of urban surroundings among air pollutants because it could stay in the environment for centuries. These elements bio-accumulate resulting in increased concentration over time. Main sources of heavy metals include vehicle emissions, corrosion of metals, vehicle tires, and gas exhaust in households, industries, and commercial establishments. It is important to trace the heavy metal contamination in the atmosphereover time through annual rings of plants as biomonitors. This study aims to determine the changes of Lithium (Li) concentrations in the tree annual rings of logs obtained from the cedar tree (Cedrus sp.) stem. Results showed a higher concentration of Li in tree sections facing the pathway, suggesting the relation of Li concentration in plants with traffic orientation.