Influence of Marble Slurry Dust on Epidermal Characteristics of Selected Tree Species, in Reference to their Dust Holding Capacity

Green belts on the embankment of the dumpyard, at Kishangarh, have been developed for mitigating the air pollution caused by the slurry dust, by filtering, intercepting and absorbing the particles in a sustainable manner. The micro-morphological parameters of the phylloplane were undertaken, to evaluate the choice of tree species best suited for plantation. In the present study the dominant tree species of the green belt, viz. Callistemon lanceolata, Albizia lebbeck and Azadirachta indica indicated marked alternation in epidermal traits. Length, breadth and calculated area of stomata exhibited different percentages of inhibition whereas number of stomata, epidermal cells, and stomatal index showed stimulation.