Air pollution on highways and motorways perturbs carbon and nitrogen levels in roadside ecosystems. Issue 9 (20th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khalid, Noreen; Noman, Ali; Masood, Atifa; Tufail, Aasma; Hadayat, Naila; Alnusairi, Ghalia S. H.; Alamri, Saad; Hashem, Mohamed; Aqeel, Muhammad
• Is Part Of: Chemistry and ecology. Volume 36:Issue 9(2020)
• Page Start: 868
• Page End: 880
• Publication Date: 2020-10-20
• Subjects: Air pollution -- Roadsides ecosystems -- C-N pollution -- Biomonitors; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 577.2
• DOI: 10.1080/02757540.2020.1791102
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0275-7540

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Vehicle emissions create corridors of increased carbon and nitrogen concentrations near highways that influence surrounding ecosystems. This study used the leaves of a variety of wild plant species and soil samples to examine the extent of total carbon (C) and total nitrogen (N) near highway M-2 and FSR in Punjab, Pakistan, in all four seasons of the year. Results showed significantly higher concentrations of C and N near roads in both plants and soils, indicating that a high proportion of vehicle derived C and N is deposited near roads. Compared to control samples, average soil C and N concentrations were increased by 174% and 519%, respectively, on the M-2 road. Similarly, 237% and 628% more C and N were measured in soil on FSR, respectively. The difference in mean concentrations of C and N among different seasons varied significantly. We inferred from these results that the level of C and N along roads depends upon the distance from the road, traffic volume, and seasonal variations. The raised level of C and N compounds could cause perilous impacts on the environment, especially to farmlands around major highways. Hence, farming activities like growing fruits and crops should be avoided near roads.