Abstract
Air quality biomonitoring using plant leaves has been widely applied to assess the effects of atmospheric pollution. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of gaseous hydrogen fluoride on the tree leaves of Prunus dulcis and Olea europaea around a phosphate fertilizer-producing factory constituting a major source of pollution. The photosynthesis rate, damaged leaf areas, fluoride accumulation, stomatal architecture and some biochemical responses in the leaves of O. europaea and P. dulcis, were measured. Based on visible injury, gas exchange, stomata responses and certain biochemical parameters, P. dulcis was a sensitive species, and O. europaea was tolerant. Our studies showed that fluoride had a potential effect on stomatal plasticity and confirmed the presence of different control mechanisms for pollution on each leaf surface. It was observed that evergreen tree species highly tolerated fluoride pollutants present in the air, and therefore can be effective in reducing pollutants concentration to a safer level in the environment.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
