Ecological assessment of air pollution in a large industrial city by bioindication methods

Abstract

The purpose of the present research was to assess the state of the air environment of the city of Voronezh using bio-indication methods. Materials and Methods. During the 2023 growing season, 25 sites within the city were surveyed and plant material was sampled. The indicator species was Italian poplar (Populus italica (Du Roi) Moench). The following biogeochemical parameters were determined: ash content and acidity of bark, as well as area and dustiness of leaf plates. Results and discussion. A decrease in leaf plate area of Italian poplar and an increase in the amount of deposited dust in the industrial and transportation zone were recorded. A reliable negative correlation of medium strength between the area of leaf plates and their dustiness was established: the smaller the leaf area, the more dust on them. The change in the acidity of Italian poplar bark varies widely. Bark alkalinization was noted at the intersections of some major streets, acidifi cation was recorded in the vicinity of JSC "Voronezhsintezkauchuk". Bark ash content exceeds background values in almost all points. Conclusions. The aggregate of bioindication parameters can be used to assess the state of the air environment in urbanized areas. At the same time, indicators such as leaf area and the amount of dust accumulated on their surface are used only during the growing season, while bark acidity and ash content are available for a long time.