Effects of road traffic on photosynthetic pigments and heavy metal accumulation in tree species of Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana

Abstract This study was undertaken to examine changes in the content of pigments and accumulation metals from vehicular pollution selected species roadside trees under pollution. A major arterial road with heavy vehicle emissions Kumasi Metropolis designated as polluted site, while Kwame Nkrumah University Science Technology Campus control site. Four tree ( Terminalia catappa, Mangifera indica, Ficus platyphylla Polyalthia longifolia ) for were well distributed abundant sites. Photosynthetic levels (Pb, Cu, Cd zinc) assessed their leaves. Chlorophyll carotenoid contents determined by absorption spectrometry, metal index (MAI) used determine total capacity species. We observed a reduction photosynthetic leaf samples had maximum chlorophyll (49.34%), whereas catappa recorded lowest (33.88%). Similarly, largest decrease (31.58%) found (16.67%). The longifolia, collected at site higher ratio a/b. Heavy (Cu, Pb, Zn Cd) than control, expected. highest MAI value indica (5.35) followed 4.30. findings this specifically demonstrate that air contamination induced vehicles decreases level subjected emissions. It is clear both a/b chlorophyll/carotenoid ratios will act very useful stress-level markers. Elevated along roadsides indicate they serve sink. change resulting different burden an indication removal capabilities differ each other. therefore suggest M. P. potential be plans city.