Plants not only improve air quality by adsorbing particulate matter (PM) on
leaf surfaces but can also be affected by their accumulation. In this study,
a field investigation was performed in Wuhan, China, into the relationship
between seven leaf traits and the accumulation of three different sizes of PM
(PM11, PM2.5 and PM0.2) on leaves. The retention abilities of plant leaves
with respect to the three sizes of PM differed significantly at different
sites and species. The average PM retention capabilities of plant leaves and
specific leaf area (SLA) were significantly greater in a seriously polluted
area, whereas the average values of chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl
b), total chlorophyll, carotenoid, pH and relative water content (RWC) were
greater at the control site. SLA significantly positively correlated with the
size of PM, but Chl a, Chl b, total chlorophyll, RWC significantly negatively
correlated with the size of PM, whereas the pH did not correlate
significantly with the the PM fractions. Additionally, SLA was found to be
affected by large particles (PM11, p<0.01); PM2.5 had a more obvious effect
on plant leaf traits than the other PM (p<0.05). Overall, the findings from
this study provide useful information regarding the selection of plants to
reduce atmospheric pollution.
Wettability on plant leaf surfaces and its effect on pesticide efficiency