Determination of Malaysia’s air pollution levels using bio-indicators approach (Lichen): A case study of Bandar Baru Bangi

Various methods have been developed to gauge air pollution. This study was conducted to determine the levels of air pollution in Bandar Baru Bangi using bio-indicators (lichen). A total of 14 sites in Bandar Baru Bangi was selected as sampling stations with each station comprising three trees. A sampling method was adopted in which microbial diversity quadrat on Lichen that lived in a tree at the trunk area was given a score according to the standard index score of lichen. A score value of more than 10 shows a very clean air, between 0 and 9 moderately clean, and less than 1 poor or polluted. Results of the study revealed that the minimum score for Bandar Baru Bangi as recorded in the area around Bangi Police Station was -1.58; the maximum as recorded in Puncak Bangi residential area was 17. The average score for air quality in the study area was thus 3.95 which could be considered as moderately clean. Sites with slightly polluted air were found in the area around Bangi Police Station, Bangi Utama shopping complex, Section 12, Hitachi industrial parks and Commuter Station UKM. The main pollutants in the study area were found to be mainly dust and smoke emitted from motor vehicles.