Spatial analysis of ambient heavy metal pollutants in the tree leaves in Kanchipuram town, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Spatial distribution and accumulation of nine harmful heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cr, Cu, Cd, As and Al) on the leaf surfaces of five tree species namely Saraca asoca, Ficus religiosa, Syzygium cumini, Pongamia glabra and Terminalia catappa were analysed to identify the level of contamination of ambient air in Kanchipuram town, TamilNadu. The leaf samples were collected during February-March 2018 from six sites located within the town in the distributed manner and analysed by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results revealed that the concentration of As, Cd, Cr and Pb were invariably found lesser than their detectable limit, Fe (289mg/kg), Al (162mg/kg) was identified to be maximized, Cu, Mn and Zn lower levels. The absorption capacity of Ficus religiosa was poor and other species were shown good responses. The concentrations of Al, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were very low in sites 1, 2, 3, 6 where the trees were numerous and found high at sites 4 and 5 may be due to anthropogenic activities and vehicular emission. According to the analysis, the selected species performed as bio indicators and were developed around the industries to maintain greenbelts and enhance air quality.