Our study looked at two forests close to Cape Town and compared them with a forest further away. In the closer forests, we found higher concentrations of manganese, copper and zinc arising from pollution generated in the city. The information from studies like this can help people act to prevent irreparable damage to the environment. Protection of the forest biome is a priority to sustain its ability to absorb air pollution. Pollution can be minimised merely by lessening the burning of wood and garbage, as well as preventing forest fires.
AuthorAnne-Liese Naude Kruger
Postdoctoral fellow, Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
Anne-Liese Naude Kruger completed 3 post graduate degrees in the Natural Sciences, of which her B-Tech was in Environmental Management. Her Masters and PhD in Environmental Health was focused on Ecotoxicology research, which is the study of environmental pollutants and their effects at different levels of biological organization.