Biomonitoring of the atmospheric pollution by heavy metals in Morocco

In this study, the accumulation sensitivities of trace elements in six types of air pollution biomonitors (lichens, tree barks and a moss) are compared. Three analytical methods were used: 14 MeV neutron activation analysis, thermal neutron activation analysis method and X-ray fluorescence analysis. Studies of the local concentration variations versus the sizes of lichen and of their altitude of collection from grounds, revealed that a standardisation of the procedures for collecting samples was necessary.