Investigation of the particulate matters on the leaves of platanus sp in Denizli, Turkey using fesem-eds

Abstract

Particulate matters (PM) are released from plants, workshops, power generation, residential heating and motor vehicle emissions etc. and cause heavy-metal pollution in urban ecosystems. PM accumulate on the leaves of higher plants growing along roadsides. Plant leaves can be used as bioindicators for the heavy-metal pollutants in urban environments. The possible sources of the PM can be identified using determination of their morphology, size and chemical composition. Platanus sp. is widely cultivated near the roadsides of Denizli, Turkey. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible sources of the PM on the leaf of Platanus sp. using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS) during 2013-2014. Leaves were collected from urbanized areas and a control region. The size distribution and the chemical composition of the PM showed some similarities and distinct differences in the study areas. These data suggested that investigated areas were mainly affected from anthropogenic activities and crustal sources depending on their locations. In conclusion, the results of this study are significant in helping understand the possible origins using chemical composition and size of the PM using FESEM-EDS. Also, roadside plants can be used as important bioindicators for the assessment of PM in the urban environment.