Heavy Metals Accumulation Effects on The Photosynthetic Performance of Geophytes in Mediterranean Reserve

A two-year study at Bentael natural reserve, Byblos-Lebanon, revealed that road construction adjacent to the site led to significant heavy metal pollution, particularly affecting the geophyte species Urginea maritima. The research found that lead levels in plant leaves increased over time, while chromium uptake decreased post-road inauguration. Aluminium and cadmium showed initial spikes following construction but later declined. Photosynthetic activity was adversely impacted, with chlorophyll levels initially declining before rebounding, whereas pheophytin concentrations surged near the road. These findings highlight the risks of landscape activities on natural reserves, demonstrating that U. maritima serves as a sensitive biomonitor for airborne pollution.

Houri, T., Khairallah, Y., Zahab, A. A., Osta, B., Romanos, D., & Haddad, G. (2020). Heavy Metals Accumulation Effects on The Photosynthetic Performance of Geophytes in Mediterranean Reserve. Journal of King Saud University - Science, 32(1), 874–880. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2019.04.005