TITLE:
The Spatial Distribution Assessment of Particulate Matter by Biomagnetic Monitoring Using Phoenix dactylifera Leaf Samples and Azimuthal Dust Samplers in Kuwait
AUTHORS:
Athari Almutawa, Samson Roeland
KEYWORDS:
Kuwait, Magnetic, Spatial Distribution, Azithumal Degree, Wind Direction, Biomonitor
JOURNAL NAME:
Atmospheric and Climate Sciences,
Vol.12 No.3,
June
30,
2022
ABSTRACT: This
study employs multi-magnetic parametric methods as proxies to measure particulate
matter (PM) concentration and spread in Kuwait. It examines the reliability of
biomonitoring receptors in the assessment of atmospheric air quality through
the utilization of passive biomonitoring methodology using cleaned and
non-cleaned Phoenix dactylifera leaves and active biomonitoring through
the application of dust samplers in the study area. Four radial sampling areas
are located at 2, 6, 10, 14 km from Kuwait’s city center with 10 sampling
degree points selected from each radial area, and the closest palm tree in the vicinity to the
preselected sampling point with a height of 4 m were sampled. Using a compass, the 4 azithumal
points were pin pointed on the selected tree and a 2 × 2 cm dust
sampler was attached to each direction at a
height of 2 m. The dust sampler was made of clear plastic paper
attached with double sided tape. Magnetic susceptibility and Saturation
Isothermic Remanent Magnetization (SIRM), Natural Remanent
Magnetization (NRM), Hard Isothermal Remanent Magnetization (HIRM), Soft
Isothermal Remanent Magnetization (SOFT), HIRM%, soft IRM% and s-ratio
were determined for P. dactylifera and dust samplers. Magnetic parameters were mapped
to assess the spatial variation of air quality in Kuwait and the values between
dust samplers and P. dactylifera. Results indicate that the highest
magnetic concentration values for NRM and SIRM for P. dactylifera occurred near Kuwait bay and that the majority of the samples contain
ferromagnetic minerals with magnetite most likely from anthropogenic sources.
The results of the interpolation models for P. dactylifera and dust
samplers as well as the overall mean for dust samplers distinguished
short-term PM
deposition and concentration and how it is impacted by wind direction in comparison
to P. dactylifera which identifies long-term pollution impacts pin
pointing PM sources and hotspots.