In the majority of African urban areas, there is a pervasive issue of air pollution that poses a significant threat to the environment. It is evident that air pollution has the capacity to exert an influence on the anatomy and physiology of plants. It has been demonstrated that plants are capable of absorbing gaseous pollutants and particulate matter, as well as heavy metals, through their leaves. The present study concentrated on the prospective value of leaf chemical, physiological, and spectral characteristics as straightforwardly quantifiable plant parameters in the cost-effective evaluation of urban habitat quality. The geographical area selected for the study was the city of Abidjan, located in the West African nation of C？te d’Ivoire. In the designated study area, two distinct land use classes were identified: namely, “main roads” and “parks”. The concentration of heavy metals (lead and copper), the total chlorophyll content, stomatal resistance, and leaf reflectance were measured in the leaf samples of Jatropha integerrima Jacq. The stomatal resistance of leaf surfaces was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) on the Main roads as compared to the Parks. Furthermore, Parks exhibited markedly diminished (p < 0.05) lead and copper values in comparison to Main roads. The two habitats exhibited divergent patterns of leaf adaxial and abaxial reflectance, indicating potential variations in leaf structure and physiology, particularly with respect to total chlorophyll content. A significant (p < 0.05) and positive correlation was identified between total chlorophyll content and stomatal resistance. Conversely, an opposite, yet non-significant (p > 0.05), relationship was observed between total chlorophyll content and heavy metal concentration, as well as between stomatal resistance and heavy metal concentration. It was determined that a range of leaf characteristics in plants can be utilised as bioindicators of air quality in urban environments.
References
[1]
Petroff, A., Mailliat, A., Amielh, M. and Anselmet, F. (2008) Aerosol Dry Deposition on Vegetative Canopies. Part I: Review of Present Knowledge. Atmospheric Environment, 42, 3625-3653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2007.09.043
[2]
Khavanin Zadeh, A.R., Veroustraete, F., Buytaert, J.A.N., Dirckx, J. and Samson, R. (2013) Assessing Urban Habitat Quality Using Spectral Characteristics of Tilia Leaves. Environmental Pollution, 178, 7-14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2013.02.021
[3]
Kardel, F., Wuyts, K., Babanezhad, M., Vitharana, U.W.A., Wuytack, T., Potters, G., et al. (2010) Assessing Urban Habitat Quality Based on Specific Leaf Area and Stomatal Characteristics of Plantago lanceolata L. Environmental Pollution, 158, 788-794. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2009.10.006
[4]
Barima, Y.S.S., Angaman, D.M., N’Gouran, K.P., Koffi, N.A., Kardel, F., De Cannière, C., et al. (2014) Assessing Atmospheric Particulate Matter Distribution Based on Saturation Isothermal Remanent Magnetization of Herbaceous and Tree Leaves in a Tropical Urban Environment. Science of the Total Environment, 470, 975-982. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.10.082
[5]
Sæbø, A., Popek, R., Nawrot, B., Hanslin, H.M., Gawronska, H. and Gawronski, S.W. (2012) Plant Species Differences in Particulate Matter Accumulation on Leaf Surfaces. Science of The Total Environment, 427, 347-354. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.03.084
[6]
Honour, S.L., Bell, J.N.B., Ashenden, T.W., Cape, J.N. and Power, S.A. (2009) Responses of Herbaceous Plants to Urban Air Pollution: Effects on Growth, Phenology and Leaf Surface Characteristics. Environmental Pollution, 157, 1279-1286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2008.11.049
[7]
Balasooriya, B.L.W.K., Samson, R., Mbikwa, F., Vitharana, U.W.A., Boeckx, P. and Van Meirvenne, M. (2009) Biomonitoring of Urban Habitat Quality by Anatomical and Chemical Leaf Characteristics. Environmental and Experimental Botany, 65, 386-394. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envexpbot.2008.11.009
[8]
Bernhardt-Römermann, M., Kirchner, M., Kudernatsch, T., Jakobi, G. and Fischer, A. (2006) Changed Vegetation Composition in Coniferous Forests near to Motorways in Southern Germany: The Effects of Traffic-Born Pollution. Environmental Pollution, 143, 572-581. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2005.10.046
[9]
Koffi, N.A., N’Gouran, K.P., Barima, Y.S.S. and Angaman, D.M. (2019) Active and Passive Air Quality Biomonitoring in the Tropics: Intra-Urban and Seasonal Variation in Atmospheric Particles Estimated by Leaf Saturated Isothermal Remanent Magnetisation of Ficus benjamina L. (Moraceae). African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 13, 524-534. https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJEST/article-full-text-pdf/E8F232962421
[10]
Angaman, D.M., Barima, Y.S.S., Bi, Z.F.T., N’gouran, K.P., Gouran, N.A. and Dongui, B.K. (2017) Study of Lead and Copper Accumulation by Selected Botanical Species in Urban Environment. World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, 13, 205-215. https://doi.org/10.1504/wrstsd.2017.087130
[11]
Porra, R.J. (2002) The Chequered History of the Development and Use of Simultaneous Equations for the Accurate Determination of Chlorophylls a and B. Photosynthesis Research, 73, 149-156. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1020470224740
[12]
Olyslaegers, G., Nijs, I., Roebben, J., Kockelbergh, F., Vanassche, F., Lakers, M., et al. (2002) Morphological and Physiological Indicators of Tolerance to Atmospheric Stress in two Sensitive and Two Tolerant Tea Clones in South Africa. Experimental Agriculture, 38, 397-410. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0014479702000431
[13]
Khavanin Zadeh, A.R., Veroustraete, F., Wuyts, K., Kardel, F. and Samson, R. (2012) Dorsi-Ventral Leaf Reflectance Properties of Carpinus betulus L.: An Indicator of Urban Habitat Quality. Environmental Pollution, 162, 332-337. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2011.11.019
[14]
Tra Bi, Z.F., Barima, Y.S.S., Angaman, D.M., Khavanin Zadeh, A.R. and Traoré, K. (2016) Environmental Pollution Bioindication Based on Ficus benjamina L. Leaf Reflectance in the City of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Open Journal of Air Pollution, 5, 55-63. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojap.2016.52006
[15]
Koffi, K.S., Dobi-Brice, K.K., Zoungrana, Y., Sika, E.A., Ekou, T. and Ekou, L. (2024) Assessment of Urban Air Quality in Abidjan in Terms of Trace Metals (Copper, Lead, Zinc) by Arborescent Vegetation: Case of the Species Hibiscus tiliaceus Rubra. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 22, 744-752. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.22.2.1411
[16]
Alessio, M., Anselmi, S., Conforto, L., Improta, S., Manes, F. and Manfra, L. (2002) Radiocarbon as a Biomarker of Urban Pollution in Leaves of Evergreen Species Sampled in Rome and in Rural Areas (Lazio-Central Italy). Atmospheric Environment, 36, 5405-5416. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1352-2310(02)00409-0 https://iris.uniroma1.it/handle/11573/256394
[17]
Andersen, C.P. (2003) Source-Sink Balance and Carbon Allocation Below Ground in Plants Exposed to Ozone. New Phytologist, 157, 213-228. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1469-8137.2003.00674.x
[18]
Baycu, G., Tolunay, D., Özden, H. and Günebakan, S. (2006) Ecophysiological and Seasonal Variations in Cd, Pb, Zn, and Ni Concentrations in the Leaves of Urban Deciduous Trees in Istanbul. Environmental Pollution, 143, 545-554. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2005.10.050
[19]
Alaimo, M.G., Lipani, B., Lombardo, M.G., Orecchio, S., Turano, M. and Melati, M.R. (2000) The Mapping of Stress in the Predominant Plants in the City of Palermo by Lead Dosage. Aerobiologia, 16, 47-54. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1007623508410
[20]
Spedding, D. and Thomas, W. (1973) Effect of Sulphur Dioxide on the Metabolism of Glycollic Acid by Barley (Hordeum vulgare) Leaves. Australian Journal of Biological Sciences, 26, 281-286. https://doi.org/10.1071/bi9730281
[21]
Barima, Y.S.S., Angaman, D.M., N’gouran, K.P., Koffi, N.A., Tra Bi, F.Z. and Samson, R. (2016) Involvement of Leaf Characteristics and Wettability in Retaining Air Particulate Matter from Tropical Plant Species. Environmental Engineering Research, 21, 121-131. https://doi.org/10.4491/eer.2015.120
[22]
Achille, K.N., Fidèle, T.B.Z., Maxime, A.D. and Sabas, B.Y.S. (2025) Influence of Tree Leaf Surface Characteristics and Wettability in Heavy Metals Accumulation in Tropical Urban Environment. International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review, 34, 99-109. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijbcrr/2025/v34i3989
[23]
Wang, H., Shi, H., Li, Y., Yu, Y. and Zhang, J. (2013) Seasonal Variations in Leaf Capturing of Particulate Matter, Surface Wettability and Micromorphology in Urban Tree Species. Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering, 7, 579-588. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-013-0524-1
[24]
Carter, G.A. (1993) Responses of Leaf Spectral Reflectance to Plant Stress. American Journal of Botany, 80, 239-243. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1537-2197.1993.tb13796.x
[25]
Grant, L. (1989) Visible and Near-Infrared Reflectance Characteristics of Leaves. Remote Sensing of Environment, 30, 265-279.
[26]
Sims, D.A. and Gamon, J.A. (2002) Relationships between Leaf Pigment Content and Spectral Reflectance across a Wide Range of Species, Leaf Structures and Developmental Stages. Remote Sensing of Environment, 81, 337-354. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0034-4257(02)00010-x
[27]
Carter, G.A. and Knapp, A.K. (2001) Leaf Optical Properties in Higher Plants: Linking Spectral Characteristics to Stress and Chlorophyll Concentration. American Journal of Botany, 88, 677-684. https://doi.org/10.2307/2657068
[28]
Gitelson, A.A. and Merzlyak, M.N. (1998) Remote Sensing of Chlorophyll Concentration in Higher Plant Leaves. Advances in Space Research, 22, 689-692. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0273-1177(97)01133-2
[29]
Campbell, P.K.E., Middleton, E.M., McMurtrey, J.E., Corp, L.A. and Chappelle, E.W. (2007) Assessment of Vegetation Stress Using Reflectance or Fluorescence Measurements. Journal of Environmental Quality, 36, 832-845. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2005.0396
[30]
Lichtenthaler, H.K., Babani, F. and Langsdorf, G. (2007) Chlorophyll Fluorescence Imaging of Photosynthetic Activity in Sun and Shade Leaves of Trees. Photosynthesis Research, 85, 15-23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11120-007-9174-0
[31]
Flexas, J., Bota, J., Loreto, F., Cornic, G. and Sharkey, T.D. (2004) Diffusive and Metabolic Limitations to Photosynthesis under Drought and Salinity in C3 Plants. Plant Biology, 6, 269-279. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2004-820867
[32]
Mishra, S. and Dubey, R.S. (2005) Heavy Metal Toxicity-Induced Alterations in Photosynthetic Metabolism in Plants. In: Pessarakli, M., Ed., Handbook of Photo-Synthesis, 2nd Edition, Taylor and Francis, 845-870.
[33]
Ali, M. and Nas, F.S. (2018) The Effect of Lead on Plants in Terms of Growing and Biochemical Parameters: A Review. MOJ Ecology & Environmental Sciences, 3, 265-268. https://doi.org/10.15406/mojes.2018.03.00098
[34]
Gill, S.S., Khan, N.A. and Tuteja, N. (2012) Cadmium at High Dose Perturbs Growth, Photosynthesis and Nitrogen Metabolism While at Low Dose It Up Regulates Sulfur Assimilation and Antioxidant Machinery in Garden Cress (Lepidium Sativum L.). Plant Science, 182, 112-120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plantsci.2011.04.018
[35]
Singh, S., Parihar, P., Singh, R., Singh, V.P. and Prasad, S.M. (2016) Mechanisms of Heavy Metal Tolerance and Detoxification in Plants. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 238, 49-91.
[36]
Mishra, S. and Dubey, R.S. (2006) Effect of Heavy Metal Stress on Stomatal Development and Function. Environmental and Experimental Botany, 58, 63-70.
[37]
Li, T., Yang, X., Lu, L. and Islam, E. (2015) Effects of Zinc and Copper on Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and Stomatal Behavior in Brassica juncea L. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 22, 10888-10897.
[38]
Alkhatib, R., Mheidat, M., Abdo, N., Tadros, M., Al‐Eitan, L. and Al‐Hadid, K. (2019) Effect of Lead on the Physiological, Biochemical and Ultrastructural Properties of leucaena Leucocephala. Plant Biology, 21, 1132-1139. https://doi.org/10.1111/plb.13021
[39]
Koffi, N.A., Traoré, K., Barima Y.S.S. and Angaman, D.M. (2018) Active Biomonitoring of Air Quality Using Stomatal Characteristics and Particulate Matter of Ficus Benjamina L. Leaf in a Tropical Urban Environment. International Journal of In-novation Sciences and Research, 7, 1175-1180. https://ijisrjournal.com/sites/default/files/issues-pdf/810.pdf
[40]
Tra Bi, Z.F., Angaman, D.M., Barima, Y.S.S. and Dongui, B.K. (2015) Evaluation of Air Pollution Tolerance Indices of Four Ornamental Plants Arranged along Roadsides in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire). International Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Analysis, 3, 22-27. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijema.20150301.14
[41]
Singh, S.K. and Rao D.N. (1983) Evaluation of Plants for Their Tolerance to Air Pollution. Proceedings Symposium on Air Pollution Control, 1, 218-224.
[42]
Baker, A.J.M. (1981) Accumulators and Excluders‐Strategies in the Response of Plants to Heavy Metals. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 3, 643-654. https://doi.org/10.1080/01904168109362867
