Abstract

The current paper deals with effects of ambient O₃, SO₂ and NO₂ air pollution on major and minor elements uptake of cultivated and non-cultivated plants of near and far from Al-jubail Industrial City. The results of chemical analysis revealed that the heavy metals in soils decreased with distance from the source, controlled mainly by water movement and topography. All cultivated and non-cultivated plants of near to the city exhibited maximum content of major and minor elements as compared to far from the city. These results indicate that all plants were efficient in uptake of elements and tolerant to ambient O₃, SO₂ and NO₂ air pollution. This study suggest to resolve different environmental problems in mining areas, where metal contamination may adversely influence plants, animal and human health.

Key words: Ambient O₃, cultivated and non-cultivated plants, responses, resistance.