Damage to plants due to industrial pollution and their use as bioindicators in Egypt

Effects of industrial air pollution on growth parameters of clover and Egyptian mallow were examined at three locations in the industrial area of Shoubra Elkheima, north of Cairo. Symptoms of plant damage appeared in the form of chlorosis and necrotic patterns. The decrease in chlorophyll reached more than 60% in plants cultivated in the industrial region. Plant growth and dry weights were reduced by more than 50%. The reduction in chlorophyll and growth parameters was correlated with the concentrations of air pollutants measured in the atmosphere of the locations examined. Moreover, clover and Egyptian mallow plants cultivated in the region of Shoubra Elkheima accumulated lead and cadmium, which can pass into the human food chain. It is concluded that these plants can be used as biomonitors for industrial air pollution.