Leaf Dust Accumulation and Air Pollution Tolerance Indices of Three Plant Species Exposed to Urban Particulate Matter Pollution from a Fertilizer Factory

Leaf Dust Accumulation and Air Pollution Tolerance Indices of Three Plant Species Exposed to Urban Particulate Matter Pollution from a Fertilizer Factory

To assess the dust interception efficiency and air pollution tolerance index (APTI) of three plant species Cyperus alopecuroides, Pluchea dioscoridis and Ricinus communis near fertilize factory in Abo-Zabaal village (Egypt) the present study was undertaken. The air quality has been measured and air pollution index was calculated for the different sites. Also relative water content, total chlorophyll, leaf extract pH and ascorbic acid content were measured. The highest dust deposition was detected in Pluchea dioscoridis (0.29) and Ricinus communis (0.19) and the values were slightly higher in winter than in summer. The APTI highest values were observed in R. communis (25.3) and the lowest ones were recorded in C. alopecuroides (12.16) and the values were slightly higher in summer than in winter. Thus plants can be used to intercept dust particles which are of potential health hazards to humans..