US EPA

8219822 

Journal Article 

Effect of dust particles on the growth of vegetables and orchards of Quetta city 

Shaheen, G; Khan, AR; Khan, MJ; Anwar, M; Fatima, M; Habib, MK 

2014 

27 

1 

178-182 

English 

An investigation on dust storm deposited on some orchards leaves Prunus amygladus Mill, Prunus armeniaca L. and Prunus persica L.(Almond, Apricot, and Peach) and some vegetables Brassica alba L., Solanum lycopersicum L. and Coriandrum sativum. L (Cabbage, Tomato. Coriander was studied in Quetta city during 2011, because wind storm and sand storm are the common phenomena in arid regions of Balochistan. It has important impact on nutritional values of vegetables and fruits of Quetta. Quetta is considered as fruit garden, so our main emphasis is on the orchards but besides this some vegetables commonly present in the wind erosion seasons were evaluated. Chemical analysis showed that Pb concentration deposited with dust particles on leaves ranged between 1.00- 2.00 mg/g, that was the maximum deposition among other orchards and vegetable leaves. Mn concentration ranged between 1.12- 1.31 mg/g, Cu concentration ranged 1.11- 1- 46 mg/g, which followed by Zn concentration that ranged between 1.14-1.72 mg/g, less amount 0.34- 1.44 mg/g of Ni deposition was found. Dust deposition was negatively effect on the productivity of fruits and vegetables. Results were negative correlation at P< 0.05 level of significance. 

Dust fall; Orchards and vegetables; Toxic metal