Atmospheric Air Pollution and Roughness of Bark as Possible Factor in Increasing Density of Epiphytic Terrestrial Algae

Authors

  • Asmida Ismail
  • Noor Akmal Abd Wahab
  • Mohd Talib Latif
  • Mohd Nizam Mohd Said
  • Ahmad Ismail
  • Amyrul Rafiq Zulkifli
  • Ihsan Alwi
  • Dzulsuhaimi Daud
  • Fatin Normas Sulaiman

Keywords:

algae, air pollution, density, dominant species, bark

Abstract

Air pollution released to the atmosphere due to anthropogenic source particularly of motor vehicles creates emissions that significantly affect not living organisms. Epiphytic terrestrial algae were known to have a tendency towards atmospheric gases due to its high sorption capability. Besides the pollutant, the different texture of the bark of the trees also plays an important role for the colonization of the algae. This present work studies on two parameters that canaffect the number of algal cells per unit area (density); the increased pollutants and tree bark texture. Sampling stations which represent the polluted and relatively unpolluted environment hasbeen chosen. Quadrat sampling method was used to estimate the density of algae on 30 random trees inhabiting 15 x 15 cm quadrat. Results showed that both polluted and unpolluted sites were dominated by the same algal species, the Coccomyxa confluens (Kützing) Fott. The polluted environment significantly support higher number ofepiphyticalgaeat 202 ± 37 x 104 cells/cm2compared to the unpolluted area at 63 ± 12 x 104cells/m2. Similarly, trees with rough textures was found to sustain higher number of algal cell at 228 ± 52 x 104 cells/cm2compared to trees with smooth textures (187 ± 41 x 104cells/cm2). Higher concentration of carbon dioxide and/or carbon monoxide and nitrogenous gases in polluted area possibly enhanced the growth of epiphytic terrestrial algae.In conclusion, polluted environment and rough bark textures was found to positively support higher algal density.

Author Biographies

Asmida Ismail

Noor Akmal Abd Wahab

Mohd Talib Latif

Mohd Nizam Mohd Said

Ahmad Ismail

Amyrul Rafiq Zulkifli

Ihsan Alwi

Dzulsuhaimi Daud

Fatin Normas Sulaiman

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Published

2016-04-15

How to Cite

Ismail, A., Wahab, N. A. A., Latif, M. T., Said, M. N. M., Ismail, A., Zulkifli, A. R., Alwi, I., Daud, D., & Sulaiman, F. N. (2016). Atmospheric Air Pollution and Roughness of Bark as Possible Factor in Increasing Density of Epiphytic Terrestrial Algae. Asian Journal of Applied Sciences, 4(2). Retrieved from https://ajouronline.com/index.php/AJAS/article/view/3780

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 2 (2016): April 2016

Section

Articles

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