Air Pollution and its Impact on the Elements of Soil and Plants in Helwan Area

Abstract

Over the past two decades, the threat of environmental pollution elements has attracted attention as much as the air pollution. Concentrations of many trace elements in the environment have been significantly affected by man’s activities. The present study was made to evaluate the potential effects of ambient air pollutants (SO2, NO2, CO and PM10) on Calotropis procera and soil in Helwan city. The study also aimed to evaluate the damaging effect of human activities on soil and some plants, where samples would have collected from industrials, traffic and domestic sources in Helwan city. Sampling and measurements were based on the environmental protection agency (EPA) and the American Standard test methods (ASTM). Evaluation of air pollutants (SO2, NO2, CO and PM10) was measured by Miran Gas Analyzer and Thermo Dust Meter. It was found that all metals were belonging to very high contamination category at all sites near the factories except iron. the internal parts of the leaf and shoot in the Calotropis procera are not affected by concentrations of air pollutants found in Helwan industrial area air or even high concentrations in soil