<![CDATA[Air quality biomonitoring using moss as a bioindicator has been increasingly developed as an alternative to conventional monitoring methods, which generally require high costs, sophisticated equipment, and trained personnel. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of two types of moss, liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha) and peat moss (Sphagnum spp.), in absorbing lead (Pb) in environments with different levels of traffic-related pollution in Palu City, Central Sulawesi. The use of moss as a bioindicator is considered more efficient due to its biological traits that enable it to absorb pollutants directly from the atmosphere without vascular systems or protective cuticles. This study applied two approaches in Palu City: the first using Marchantia polymorpha placed in the Pertamina Martadinata gas station area, a site with high traffic intensity, and the second using Sphagnum spp. examined at the traffic light intersection of Jalan Suprapto, Besusu Tengah, as a location of vehicular emission accumulation. The research focused on the ability of moss to absorb Pb derived from transportation activities. In addition, environmental factors such as air temperature, humidity, wind speed, rainfall, and wind direction were analyzed to determine how microclimatic conditions influence heavy metal accumulation. The results showed that Marchantia polymorpha, with its broad thallus surface, effectively accumulated Pb in open urban environments. Meanwhile, Sphagnum spp., with its hyaline cell structure, exhibited a higher absorption capacity for both water and heavy metals, making it highly responsive to humidity variations and microclimatic conditions at the study sites. These findings confirm that both moss species serve as effective bioindicators, each with specific advantages. Liverwort is more adaptive in tropical urban environments with consistent vehicular pollution, whereas peat moss is superior in humid areas that allow higher absorption capacity. Therefore, the use of moss provides a cost-effective, practical, and sustainable biomonitoring approach for air pollution control.]]>
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