The Spatial Distribution Assessment of Particulate Matter by Biomagnetic Monitoring Using Phoenix dactylifera Leaf Samples and Azimuthal Dust Samplers in Kuwait

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.