Bioindication of PAHs and Palladium Pollution from Road Traffic

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and palladium are associated with emissions from diesel and gasoline vehicles respectively. Only a few studies have focused on their effects on roadside ecosystems. Bio-monitoring can reveal the environmental health. This study aims at evaluating the contamination level of environmental compartments and identifying relevant organisms for the biomonitoring of PAHs and Pd. First, in order to assess each pollution extent a field and a forest were investigated near a heavy-traffic highway. Atmospheric PAHs were measured. PAHs and Pd contents were analyzed on soil and indigenous organisms. Second, based on these results and the literature, four plants were selected to be tested in a growth chamber with standard soil. Trifolium repens, Lotus corniculatus were exposed to PAHs; Festuca arundinacea, Lolium perenne to Pd. Parameters related to germination and aerial parts were regarded. The results show that Trifolium repens could be a potential bio-indicator of PAHs through the number of leaves, and Festuca arundinacea through its stretched length.