Atmospheric particle adsorption rates of plants in an industrial city of southwest Iran

Abstract The present study is aimed at assessing the capability of plant species to adsorb particulate matter (PM) in an industrial city which hosts frequently occurring dust storms. To this end, samples were collected from different leaves (morphological properties) of different dominant species at 10 locations in Ahvaz, Iran which had different land uses (industrial, recreational, high-traffic and residential) in various time periods, including the first period (May 6-October 6), the second period (October 7-November 6), the third period (November 7-December 6), and the fourth period (December 7-March 6). Variations in mineral constituents of particulate matter and particle size distribution were analyzed using XRD and laser diffraction respectively. Results disclosed that the particle deposition of some plant species such as Phoenix dactylifera and Washingtonia filifera in various regions was significantly different from that of other species. The particles were generally composed of minerals such as calcite, silicate (quartz) and phyllosilicate which are derived from dust storms. Steel industries in Ahvaz are also one of the main sources of particles, but due to the fact that these particles are primarily made of iron, their adsorption is more likely to occur at distances close to this source. The findings of this study show that characteristics of different plant species have a significant effect on the adsorption of particles and the potential purification of urban air pollution. Therefore, the extension of green space using plant species with greater adsorption is recommended to pave the way for reducing urban air pollution.