The Impact of Air Pollution on the Physiological Vitality and Biodiversity of Forest Ecosystems

Misbul Hadi (Jurusan Teknik Sipil, Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Malikussaleh, Aceh utara, Aceh)
Rahma Ayu Saharani (Jurusan Teknik Sipil, Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Malikussaleh, Aceh utara, Aceh)
Syahrul Pardamean Harahap (Jurusan Teknik Sipil, Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Malikussaleh, Aceh utara, Aceh)
Ichsan Ananda Prananta (Jurusan Teknik Sipil, Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Malikussaleh, Aceh utara, Aceh)
Nauval Perdana Inem (Jurusan Teknik Sipil, Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Malikussaleh, Aceh utara, Aceh)
Anif Akrama (Jurusan Teknik Sipil, Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Malikussaleh, Aceh utara, Aceh)
Nashami N (Jurusan Teknik Sipil, Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Malikussaleh, Aceh utara, Aceh)

Madani: Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal
Vol 3, No 11 (2025): December 2025

This study aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of the impact of air pollution on forest ecosystem health and functioning, with a focus on identifying ecosystem sensitivity levels to major pollutants such as particulate matter (PM?.? and PM??), ozone (O?), sulfur dioxide (SO?), and nitrogen dioxide (NO?). Using a literature review approach with a quantitativecomparative method, this study compares forest conditions across different pollution levels through vegetation and soil sample data and statistical modeling. The results indicate that air pollution significantly affects plant physiology, including a reduction in chlorophyll content of up to 27% and canopy area by 18%, thereby inhibiting photosynthesis. In addition, a decline in biodiversity of 1525% and an increase in forest fire frequency by up to 1.4 times were observed, associated with high levels of tropospheric ozone. Soil quality also showed degradation, with a pH decrease of 0.81.2 points and increased accumulation of heavy metals (lead increased by 35% and cadmium by 22%), disrupting nutrient cycling. This study emphasizes the importance of using bioindicators, such as mosses and insects, in monitoring forest health. These findings provide an evidence-based foundation for policy recommendations to support mitigation strategies and sustainable forest management in order to maintain ecosystem vitality amid global environmental pressures.