Assessment of rainwater pollution and bio-monitoring of trace metals air pollution by two types of plants in southern Iraq, Basrah city

Abstract

Air pollution has regarded as one of the most significant environmental problems, due to its direct impact on ecosystems and human health. Economic and industrial development has increased urban atmospheric pollution, especially in developing nations. This research conducted to rate the rainwater quality in different areas of Basrah city. Using biota and rainwater samples carried out on Environmental monitoring of selected metals. From five locations collected samples (Khor Al-Zubair, Al-Zubair district, Basrah City Center, Abil Khaseeb district, and Garma Ali area). Results showed a significant difference in concentrations of trace metals levels between rainwater and date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and Cordia myxa plant leaves and discovered in the following order: Fe > Mn > Cu > Pb. The soluble ions in rainwater followed the following order: NO3-> CO22-> SO42-> NO2-. Vehicles, industry emissions, and waste burning are the main anthropogenic sources of ions and metals. According to WHO standards, concentrations of trace metals have been found in the study areas above the acceptable limits in the sample of both plants. These findings show that special attention should pay to this environmental issue and that these emission levels should cut.