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Leaf surface characteristics and the amount of dust covering he leaf surface of perennial trees growing along the perimeters of Satit Kaset School

Organization(s):Kasetsart University Laboratory
Country:Thailand
Student(s):Master Sirapop Attapun Master Poovis Boonyamongkonrat
Grade Level:Middle School (grades 6-8, ages 11-14)
GLOBE Teacher:Krissana Pokpun
Contributors:Mr. Santichai Anuworrachai
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Aerosols
Presentation Poster: View Document
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Date Submitted:04/10/2019
The purposes of this research study are to 1. evaluate leaf surface characteristics of perennial plants growing along the perimeters of Kasetsart University Laboratory School, Bangkok, Thailand, and 2. determine the amount of dust covering the leaf surface of these plants. We collected 3 fallen leaf samples found on the ground below the trees in 3 different areas adjacent to the streets around the school, in the morning and in the evening. There are 10 species and 12 trees in total. Next, we measured the amount of dust covering the leaf surface and calculated the percentage of dust covered area. We found that the leaves can be divided into 3 groups based on their surface characteristics. The first group which has a smooth, and glossy leaf surface, includes False Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King), Golden Shower (Cassia fistula L.), Malay rose apple (Syzygium malaccense), Orange Jasmine ( Murraya paniculata), Golden Fig (Ficus benjamina), Rosy trumpet tree (Tabebuia rosea )and Purple Orchid Tree (Bauhinia purpurea) The second group which has an insignificantly smooth leaf with a slightly hairy surface includes Krapeechan (Millettia brandisiana Kurz.)and Rain Tree (Samanea saman Merr.) The third group which has a rough leaf surface and a clear mid-rib includes Yellow Poinciana (Peltophorum pterocarpum) 3. As a result, Yellow Poinciana-1 has the highest amount of dust covering the leaf surface (adaxial 99.29%, abaxial 79.90%). Golden Fig (adaxial 65.87%, abaxial 23.67%) and Malay rose apple (adaxial 85.89%, abaxial 5.43%), with smaller dust covered areas appeared to be less effective in helping reducing air pollutants. In the evening, Yellow Poinciana-2 has the highest amount of dust on the leaf surface (adaxial 98.13%, abaxial 91.40%). Krapeechan (adaxial 81.68%%, abaxial 28.14%), Malay rose apple (adaxial 87.84%, abaxial 0.00%) and Orange Jasmine (adaxial 94.44%, abaxial 0.00%) seemed less effective in helping reducing air pollutants. We recommend growing trees with stingy leaves and a clear mid-rib, which are more capable of catching airborne dust.


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Comments

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Waleska Aldana Segura
4 Years Ago
Excellent work, congratulations,
Your report would benefit from a little extra work on the conclusions, also, from your research you could elaborate a little more on the conclusions, what relationship you saw from the pictures on the amounts of dust that were trapped on the trees and the air quality? based on that what trees would you recommend planting near your school?