Effect of Dust on the Leaf Attributes of Some Selected Tree Species at Stone Crusher Site

Abstract

Crusher industries are one of the major source of dust pollution. Dust pollution represents a threat to both environment and the human health and cause serious health hazard owing to their ability to remain suspended for long periods of time and travelling long distances in the atmosphere. Trees can play a significant role in capturing these suspended dust pollutants. The main objective of this research paper has to study “Effect of stone crusher dust on the leaf attributes of the tree species growing along the industrial site”. Five young and matured trees leaves have selected from different tree species from industrial site. The selected tree species are i.e. Azadirachta indica (Neem), Saraca asoca (Ashok), Syzygium cumini (Jamun), Tectona grandis (Sagaun).Samples of leaves have collected in a transparent polythene. The study leaf attributes are leaf area, specific leaf area, relative water content, leaf nitrogen content, leaf phosphorus content, leaf extract pH, total chlorophyll content, total carbohydrate and dust load. These are the parameters, which have used in this research. Results showed significant effect of site and species for dust on the leaf attributes. Every species have showed different results. Some species have showed the maximum amount of dust on leaf attributes and some species have showed the minimum amount of dust on leaf attributes. Based on results of stone crusher dust on plants, we can easily identify some of them as a biomonitor or a tolerance species in polluted area.

Introduction

Dust pollution consists of tiny solid particles suspended in the air, known as particulate matter (PM), which pose serious risks to human health and the environment. Stone crushing operations are a major source of dust pollution, releasing large amounts of fugitive dust that affect workers, nearby residents, and plant life. Other sources include agriculture, road dust, vehicle emissions, power plants, construction, brick kilns, and cement factories. Dust pollution has increased significantly in developing countries like India.

Plants help reduce air pollution by trapping and retaining particulate matter on their leaves. However, dust deposition negatively affects plants by altering chlorophyll content, reducing photosynthesis, causing foliar injury, and decreasing yield. Leaf characteristics such as cuticle structure and surface features can serve as bioindicators of pollution levels.

This study examined the effects of stone crusher dust on leaf attributes of four tree species—Neem (Azadirachta indica), Ashok (Saraca asoca), Jamun (Syzygium cumini), and Teak (Tectona grandis)—growing near the Bharatkoop stone crusher area in Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh. Various physio-biochemical parameters were analyzed, including dust load, chlorophyll, carbohydrates, leaf area, specific leaf area (SLA), nitrogen and phosphorus content, relative water content (RWC), and leaf extract pH.

Results showed significant variation among species in response to dust exposure. Tectona grandis had the highest carbohydrate content and leaf area, Saraca asoca showed the highest chlorophyll and nitrogen content, Syzygium cumini had the highest relative water content, and Azadirachta indica had the highest leaf pH. The findings indicate that stone crusher dust significantly affects plant physiological and biochemical characteristics, with responses varying by species.

Conclusion

The study shows that dust generated from stone crusher industry causes different types effects on the leaf attributes of tree species. Leaves are most suitable organ of plants to hold the dust on its upper and lower surface. Dust holding capacity of leaf determined by its size, orientation and arrangement. Dust has physical and chemical properties which damages plants tissue and restrict plant growth. When dust particles interact with plants leaf they negatively affects morphological attribute such as leaf area as well as biochemical and physiological aspects of plants. Based on the result of stone crusher dust on plants, we can easily identify some of them as a biomonitor or use as tool for environmental biomonitor.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Prof. G. S. Gupta, Sadhan Priya. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.