The potential of oak (Quercus sp.) and wild pistachio (Pistacia atlantica Desf.) forest species to deposit microdust particles

Dust storms are a major source of solid particles in the world that significantly impact air pollution and human and environmental health. Generally, trees and plants not only improve air quality by absorbing airborne particles on the surface of their leaves, but also they are affected by the accumulation of fine particles on their leaf surfaces. In this study, the uptake of fine dust by some dominant forest species of the Zagros region (Quercus Brantii Lindl., Q. libani Oliv., Q. infectoria Oliv. and Pistacia atlantica Desf.) was evaluated in the North Zagros Forests of Iran. For this purpose, soil, leaves and microdust on tree leaves were sampled by using a random systematic sampling network in the forests of Marivan County, Kurdistan province. The leaf ultrastructure of these species was examined by electron microscopy (SEM). Elements in the soil of the area and microdust deposited on the leaves of the trees were evaluated using the EDS (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) system and atomic absorption spectrometry. Finally, the ability of each hectare of forest to absorb fine dust was derived. Results showed that the leaves of all three oak species as well as wild pistachio are structurally different, which plays a distinct role in the deposition of microdust on tree leaves. The highest amount of microdust uptake by leaves was observed for Q. Brantii (0.012 g per leaf), followed by Q. infectoria (0.006 g per leaf) and Q. libani (0.005 g per leaf). In contrast, the lowest amount was observed for P. atlantica (0.0015 g per leaf). Based on the results, the amount of deposited dust in one hectare of forest in the study area with appropriate coverage (400 units per hectare) was estimated at 87.7 kg. The results of EDS test showed that the tested soil samples did not contain radioactive elements as well as heavy, toxic and dangerous elements. The results of the current study indicate the notable role of forest trees in the purification of air polluted by microdust as well as the the difference between species in their ability to absorb microdust.