Analysis of Heavy Metal Concentration Using Transplanted Lichen Usnea Misaminensis at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (Malaysia)

A significant variation in heavy metal concentrations (Cu, Fe, Zn, Pb, Mn, Cr) was detected in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, with iron (Fe) showing the highest levels at 84.43 µg/g and chromium (Cr) the lowest at 0.66 µg/g. The study used transplanted lichen Usnea misaminensis to assess urban air pollution, exposing samples for 4-6 weeks across 15 stations before analyzing them via ICP-MS. Statistical analysis confirmed that Fe concentrations were significantly higher than other metals (P < 0.05), correlating with increased motor vehicle emissions due to rapid urbanization. This method offers a viable alternative for monitoring heavy metal pollution in Malaysian cities.

ABAS, A., AWANG, A., & AIYUB, K. (2020). ANALYSIS OF HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATION USING TRANSPLANTED LICHEN USNEA MISAMINENSIS AT KOTA KINABALU, SABAH (MALAYSIA). Applied Ecology and Environmental Research, 18(1), 1175–1182. https://doi.org/10.15666/aeer/1801_11751182