Assessing the Use of Ziziphus spina-christi as a Sustainable Solution for Biomonitoring of Urban Air Quality: A Case Study from Qatar

Noora Al-Naimi (), Ahmed Abou Elezz, Maryam Al-Adba, Hamood Al-Saadi, Caesar Sorino and Hassan Hassan
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Noora Al-Naimi: Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
Ahmed Abou Elezz: Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
Maryam Al-Adba: Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
Hamood Al-Saadi: Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
Caesar Sorino: Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
Hassan Hassan: Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 18, 1-15

Abstract: Globally, urbanization, industrialization, and transportation have worsened urban air quality in recent decades. Using sustainable, cost-effective methods to monitor and reduce air pollution is crucial. The best Nature-based Solution (NbS) for urban environmental cleanup is plants. Roadside plants are key carriers of air pollution and have various tolerances. Ziziphus spina-christi’s air pollution tolerance was assessed using the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI). The Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) examined the heavy metal accumulation capacity of Ziziphus spina-Christi’s fruits and leaves. Two sampling sites were studied: a reference location remote from human activity and a densely populated metropolitan region. Ziziphus spina-christi is considered a tolerant species in Qatar, based on its calculated value of APTI in this study. Both total chlorophyll and ascorbic acid influence APTI levels and have a strong positive correlation with APTI. BCF values in leaves were higher than fruits indicating that the leaves of Ziziphus spina-christi have a greater potential for metal absorption than its fruits. Moreover, the leaves of Ziziphus spina-christi showed a potential for mercury accumulation (BCF > 1), thus it is a good candidate to be used for phytoremediation in areas of mercury contamination. The integration of both APTI and BCF methods is significant and beneficial in advising policymakers and urban planners regarding suitable tree species for sustainable urban development.

Keywords: Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI); Bioconcentration Factor (BCF); bioindicator; urban air quality; sustainable solution; Ziziphus spina-christ (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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