Comparative Study of Conocarpus erectus and Phoenix dactylifera as Plant Biomonitors of Particulate Matter Pollution in Kuwait over Three Land Use Classes

Magnetic plant biomonitoring has been proven to be an effective tool in the assessment of air quality. Kuwait presents a unique environment due its dry desert climatic conditions and prevailing deposition patterns that may affect accumulation rates magnetic mineral particles. This study evaluated two widely distributed ornamental species, buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) palm (Phoenix dactylifera) for their effectiveness as biomagnetic monitors over three different land use classes (urban, suburban industrial classes). The differences between were classified by proximity major pollution sources well population density. Leaf sampling was conducted various heights distances from nearest road. Total leaf saturated isothermal magnetization (SIRM), hard (HIRM), percentage (HIRM%) s-ratio have measured. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) used analyze surface micromorphology. It determined NRM values are similar all ranging 0.3 0.5 μA. Palm overall concentration identified higher at class than urban class, indicating high coercivity minerals magnetically dominate classes. Additionally, total SIRM short 0 - 5 meters vicinity rugosity deep ridges furrows with ununiform wax projections across surface, while smooth film low relief. Differences micromorphology addition physiology, justify species parametric variances. had average value is 120% buttonwood. highlighted through application parameter results spatial distribution maps there association particulate matter (PM) locality main roads local services experience intensities traffic.