Bio-monitoring of metal deposition in Ranthambhore National Park (Rajasthan), India using Plagiochasma rupestre (G. Frost) Stephani
- In the present study the level of S, Cu, Cr, Cd, Zn, Pb and Cr was estimated in samples of the common thalloid liverwort Plagiochasma rupestre (G. Frost) Stephani, from Ranthambhore National park, Rajasthan (India). High metallic load was observed both in substrate as well as in plant tissue at locations adjacent to higher vehicular load, during winter the metallic content is highest, followed by summer and monsoon season. Elemental concentration in substrate for Plagiochasma rupestre was in the order of Zn> S> Pb> Cu> Cd> Cr, while in plant tissue it showed S> Zn> Pb> Cu> Cd> Cr, which is indicative of air borne trace elemental load. Quantitative analysis of these elements in vegetative thalli of Plagiochasma rupestre and the substrate showed an increase in metallic content during winter, which reveals the significance of this liverwort as a biological sink of mineral elements present in the soil and air and may provide an important tool in estimation of both aerial pollution and mineral enrichment in soil.
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