Heavy metal accumulation in bark of azadirachta indica due to vehicular emission
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Heavy metal accumulation in bark of azadirachta indica due to vehicular emission
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Dr. Syeda Azeem Unnisa and Dr. C.Venkateshwar
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Heavy metal accumulation in bark of azadirachta indica due to vehicular emission
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study aimed to evaluate lead accumulation in the bark of Azadirachta indica (Neem) as a result of vehicular emissions and to assess the noise pollution levels within the Osmania University campus. Noise pollution, a significant environmental issue linked to rapid urbanization and industrialization, is known to have detrimental effects on human health, including annoyance, hearing impairment, and cardiovascular problems. The presence of heavy metals in the environment, particularly in urban areas, is primarily due to traffic emissions. This research utilized Azadirachta indica as a bio-indicator for monitoring heavy metal levels.
Heavy Metal Accumulation in Azadirachta indica
The concentration of lead in the bark samples of Azadirachta indica varied across different locations within the campus, attributed to high traffic density. Despite the presence of lead, its levels were found to be within permissible limits set by WHO/FDA. This accumulation is concerning, as it indicates environmental pollution tied directly to vehicular emissions in the area. The study highlights the capability of Azadirachta indica to accumulate heavy metals, making it a potential bio-indicator for ecological monitoring.
Noise Pollution Assessment
The investigation into noise levels showed that all sampling locations within the university were affected by traffic noise, exceeding the permissible limits set for silence zones. Recorded noise levels were significantly higher during peak traffic hours on both working and non-working days. The findings suggest that the university's location in a heavy traffic area contributes to elevated noise levels, which pose a risk to the campus environment and wellbeing of the students and faculty.
Environmental Implications
The research underscores the relationship between vehicular activity and environmental pollution, particularly in relation to noise and heavy metal accumulation. The study findings indicate a direct correlation between traffic volume and elevated lead levels in the bark of the Neem tree, suggesting that long-term exposure to such conditions raises health concerns. This establishes the need for closer scrutiny of environmental health in urban educational institutions.
Conclusion
The research confirms that the traffic noise and heavy metal accumulation within the Osmania University campus significantly exceed environmental standards. It calls for immediate action, such as limiting vehicle access to the campus and implementing better transportation management strategies, to mitigate noise pollution and reduce vehicular emissions. The study illustrates the necessity for continued monitoring of heavy metals in urban flora, emphasizing the critical role of Azadirachta indica as an environmental bio-indicator amidst growing pollution concerns.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the aim of the study on Azadirachta indica bark?
The study aimed to estimate lead accumulation in Azadirachta indica bark due to vehicular emissions and assess noise pollution levels within Osmania University campus.
How was noise pollution measured during the study?
Noise pollution was monitored using a digital sound level meter at seven locations, with measurements taken during three different time intervals on working and non-working days.
What were the findings related to noise levels in the study?
Noise levels exceeded the prescribed limits of 50 dB for silent zones, with maximum readings up to 97.57 dB on working days, indicating alarming noise pollution due to traffic.
What method was used to measure lead concentration in the bark?
Lead concentration was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy on bark samples collected from different locations within the campus.
What were the lead concentration levels found in the bark?
The concentration of lead in the bark samples varied from 0.0548 to 0.1082 mg/kg, but all values were within the permissible limits set by WHO and FDA.
What conclusion can be drawn about Azadirachta indica as a bio-indicator?
Azadirachta indica is a suitable bio-indicator for monitoring heavy metal pollution, as its bark accumulates metals from vehicular emissions, indicating environmental pollution levels.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Heavy metal accumulation in bark of azadirachta indica due to vehicular emission”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, is a tropical evergreen tree renowned for its medicinal properties. It serves as a bio-indicator in environmental studies due to its ability to absorb and accumulate heavy metals such as lead from vehicular emissions, making it significant for assessing ecological health and pollution levels.
2) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
To accumulate means to collect or gather particles or substances over time. This concept is critical in environmental science, particularly in assessing pollutants like lead in Azadirachta indica, as it reveals how continuous exposure to emissions contributes to elevated levels of heavy metals in plant tissues.
3) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. This research falls under environmental science, aiming to understand the effects of noise and vehicular emissions on plant health, specifically focusing on how these factors influence lead accumulation in Azadirachta indica as a means of monitoring pollution.
4) Neem:
Neem, derived from Azadirachta indica, is a plant integral to traditional medicine systems. Its natural compounds have antiseptic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. The significance of neem in this study lies in its role as a bio-indicator, which helps evaluate the environmental impacts of pollution due to vehicular emissions.
5) Water:
Water is essential for all life forms and plays a crucial role in various biological processes. In this study, water comes into play during the preparation and digestion of Azadirachta indica bark samples for heavy metal analysis, as it is used to dilute samples post-digestion and serves as a medium in the laboratory tests.
6) Neem tree:
The neem tree, scientifically known as Azadirachta indica, is known for its multiple uses, including medicinal applications and environmental benefits. Its bark serves as a study subject to evaluate heavy metal accumulation from vehicular emissions, thus offering insights into the ecological health surrounding educational institutions like Osmania University.
7) Biodegradable:
Biodegradable substances are those that can be broken down by natural processes, reducing their environmental impact. In contrast, heavy metals like lead are non-biodegradable, persisting in ecosystems. This distinction emphasizes the environmental consequences of pollution from vehicular emissions, which accumulate in plants like Azadirachta indica over time.
8) Discussion:
Discussion in scientific research provides a platform for interpreting results, contextualizing findings, and proposing implications. In this study, the discussion identifies the relationship between vehicular emissions and heavy metal accumulation in Azadirachta indica, emphasizing the importance of mitigating pollution through better environmental management practices.
9) Irritation:
Irritation refers to a state of discomfort or distress caused by environmental factors. In this study, noise pollution from traffic is noted as a contributor to annoyance and health issues, illustrating the detrimental effects of excessive vehicular emissions not only on human health but also on the surrounding ecological balance.
10) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. Azadirachta indica has significant medicinal value because of its bioactive compounds. Understanding the relationship between vehicular emissions and lead accumulation in neem allows for a better assessment of the plant's therapeutic potential in polluted environments.
11) Deafness:
Deafness, a potential outcome of prolonged exposure to high noise levels, is highlighted in this study as a health impact of traffic noise pollution. Understanding various health risks associated with vehicular emissions, including auditory impairment, underscores the need for measures to limit noise pollution in sensitive environments like educational institutions.
12) Quality:
Quality often refers to the standard or level of something. In the context of this study, it indicates the environmental quality concerning noise and heavy metal pollution. Monitoring the quality of environments, such as the Osmania University campus, is vital for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the health of plants and humans.
13) Mahila (Mahilā, Mahīlā, Māhilā):
Mahila, which means 'woman' in Hindi, signifies women's roles in society. In the context of this study, 'Andhra Mahila Sabha' refers to a sampling location within Osmania University. Such organizations may emphasize women's empowerment in education, thus linking social aspects with environmental considerations in the research context.
14) Botany:
Botany is the branch of biology that studies plants, including their physiology, structure, growth, and ecology. The focus on Azadirachta indica, a significant plant in botany, allows this research to bridge plant biology with environmental science, providing insights into the effects of pollution on plant health and adaptability.