Effects of Cement Dust on Chlorophyll and Metabolism Products

Aim of study: Due to recent developments in the world, various industrial establishments began to operate without the pressures they create on the environment being taken into account. Some of these businesses are established on agricultural lands or on natural meadows and pasture areas. This study investigated the effects of dust particles, one of airborne contaminants, on some plant species. Area of study: The changes in protein, total chlorophyll, carbohydrate and dry matter amounts of plant samples collected from the near and far periphery of a cement plant were investigated. Material and Methods: Elm (Ulmus glabra), maple (Acer negundo) and yellow pine (Pinus sylvestris) plants were included in the study. Main results: Cement dust emissions spreading in the environment had adverse effects on plant development. Significant reductions were observed for chlorophyll (P < 0.01), carbohydrates (P < 0.01), dry matter in leaves (P < 0.01) and dry matter in trunks (P < 0.005), as well as protein levels in pine (P < 0.01) and elm (P < 0.005). Highlights: It was found that dust emissions clogged the pores in plant leaf tissue, negatively affecting photosynthesis and consequently causing a decrease in the levels of metabolic products