NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS TO PROBE THE AIR POLLUTION USING PLANT BIOMONITORING IN EGYPT

Abstract

A comprehensive characterization of the biomonitoring of air pollution assessment using Eucalyptus Globulus and Ficus Nitida plants in Cairo and Minoufia cities in Egypt is given. The concentrations (ppm) of thirty-two elements were determined in 30 leaf samples by means of the epithermal neutron activation analytical technique. The collected samples were irradiated by epithermal neutrons at REGATA-pulsed reactor IBR-2 in Dubna, Russian Federation. The obtained concentrations of; Na, Th, and U were compared to the reference plant. The analysis of the obtained concentrations revealed that the concentrations at some sites in Menoufia Governorate were significantly higher than those in Cairo, in spite of the intense population, heavy traffic, and vehicle waste disposed in Cairo. The remarkable increase of metals in Menoufia Governorate has occurred most probably due to the uncontrolled disposal of industrial and domestic waste. In addition, the study shows the Ficus Nitida plant responsiveness to metals is higher than Eucalyptus Globulus.