Effect of stone dust on the exposed leaves of some plants located near quarry sites (stone crushers) affecting DHC and pH.
Mahendra Singh
Author Affiliation: PG Department of Botany, Sahibganj College, S. K. M. University, Sahibganj 816 109, Jharkhand, India.
Environment and Ecology 24S : 227-228
Abstract : This study evaluated the dust holding capacity and pH of leaves of some plants growing near stone quarry sites in Jharkhand, India. In general, broader leaves (Mangifera indica, Brassica campestris, Psidium guajava, Eugenia jambolana [Syzygium cumini] and Shorea robusta) harboured higher amounts of dust compared with medium (Dalbergia sissoo, Aegle marmelos, Annona squamosa, Cassia tora and Cassia fistula) and small leaves (Tamarindus indica, Cajanus cajan, Sesbania grandiflora, Acacia arabica [Acacia nilotica] and Moringa oleifera). Flattened/petiolated leaves were more suitable for dust deposition than sessile and inclined or tilted/isobilateral ones. The pH of the leaf wash varied considerably in relation to leaf texture and permeability of the cell sap through stomata and hydathodes.