Dust capturing efficiency of Christ's thorn (Ziziphus spina-christi) and Lebbek tree (Albizia lebbek) in relation to leaf area and canopy direction

Biological activities are underlying strategies against dust storms. The leaves, because of the larger surface in comparison with other parts of plant organs, are considered important for atmospheric dust filtration. The purpose of this study was to compare the amount of dust deposited on the leaves surface of Ziziphus spina Christi and Albizia lebbek in urban areas of Ahvaz city, south west of Iran. Leaf samples were randomly collected from different heights of individual trees in four main directions and washed and dust particles of the solution were dried in an oven and weighed. The leaf area was measured by Image J software. The results indicated that the amount of dust per unit leaf area of Z. spina-christi (11.74 mg/cm2 ) was significantly different with those of A. lebbek (9.11 mg/cm2 ). The results of this study will open up an avenue for identifying suitable trees for dust filtration in the southwest of Iran.