Management of hazardous road derived respirable particulates using magnetic properties of tree leaves

Abstract

The magnetic properties of tree leaves along with their ecological, economical and aesthetic importance can be used to control road derived respirable particulates. Isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM(300) mT) of three different tree leaves viz. Mango (Mangifera indica), Sisso (Dalbergia sisso) and Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) were determined and IRM(300) mT normalized for the leaf area. The normalized 2-D magnetization of leaves as shown by results is dominantly controlled by leaf morphology and traffic density. F. benghalensis (Banyan) leaf has highest 2-D magnetization and D. sisso (Sisso) leaf having least 2-D magnetization suggesting greater ability of F. benghalensis (Banyan) tree leaves to reduce magnetic particulates. The particle size of the magnetic grains falls in the category of PM2.5, a particle size hazardous to human health due to its capacity to be inhaled deeply into the lungs.