Journals Information
Environment and Ecology Research Vol. 13(4), pp. 484 - 498
DOI: 10.13189/eer.2025.130403
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Lichen Biomonitoring of Air Quality Using API, AQI, HII and Environmental Impact in Djelfa, a Semi-Arid Region
Basma Yasmine Lebbaz 1,2,*, Kamel Ghennam 3, Fouzia Attou 4, Ayoub Messaoudi 1
1 Department of Life and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Yahia Fares University of Medea, Algeria
2 Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Biological Resources, Algeria
3 Department of Life and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Algiers 1 Benyoucef Benkhedda, Algeria
4 Department of Ecology and Environment, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene, Algeria
ABSTRACT
Air quality in steppe environments can be assessed using lichen biodiversity and environmental variables, which are excellent bioindicators. This study uses biomonitoring techniques to assess and map air pollution levels in the province of Djelfa, while identifying species sensitive to air contamination. The analysis focused on epiphytic corticolous lichens in 36 communes of the province of Djelfa, with samples taken at 121 stations distributed between forests, urban areas and main roads, reflecting different levels of exposure to pollutants. Three indices were used to quantify pollution: the Atmospheric Purity Index (API), the Air Quality Index (AQI) and the Human Impact Index (HII). Twenty-two (22) species of corticolous lichens were identified, mainly foliaceous and crustaceous thalli. The values obtained for the API ranged from (0-44.965), the AQI from (0-27.533) and the HII from (2-28), revealing strong spatial variability, with pollution levels significantly higher in urban and road areas than in forested areas. The results of the statistic analysis (PCA, RDA, Monte Carlo test) demonstrate the influence of environmental factors and arid to semi-arid climatic conditions on lichen diversity, confirming their usefulness as bioindicators, and indicate a marked deterioration in air quality as one moves away from forests. This study contributes to a better understanding of the impact of human activity on ecosystems in arid environments.
KEYWORDS
Air Quality, Biomonitoring, Djelfa, API, AQI, RDA, Lichens
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Basma Yasmine Lebbaz , Kamel Ghennam , Fouzia Attou , Ayoub Messaoudi , "Lichen Biomonitoring of Air Quality Using API, AQI, HII and Environmental Impact in Djelfa, a Semi-Arid Region," Environment and Ecology Research, Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 484 - 498, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2025.130403.
(b). APA Format:
Basma Yasmine Lebbaz , Kamel Ghennam , Fouzia Attou , Ayoub Messaoudi (2025). Lichen Biomonitoring of Air Quality Using API, AQI, HII and Environmental Impact in Djelfa, a Semi-Arid Region. Environment and Ecology Research, 13(4), 484 - 498. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2025.130403.