Effects of foliar trichomes on the accumulation of atmospheric particulates in Tillandsia brachycaulos

Abstract

Foliar trichomes are specialized structures that have first contact with atmospheric particulate matter (PM), while their effects on PM accumulation are rarely investigated. In this study, epiphytic Tillandsia brachycaulos with foliar trichomes was investigated. Trichomes were removed artificially to investigate PM adsorption and resuspension. The results showed that the maximum PM (13.94±0.20 g•m-2) and natural PM content (10.65±1.10 g•m-2) on T. brachycaulos samples with foliar trichomes was significantly higher than those without foliar trichomes. After PM deposition on the leaf surface, more than 85% of PM was dispersed by wind in plants without trichomes, significantly higher than those with trichomes (30.2%). Therefore, the effects of foliar trichomes on PM were reflected not only on PM adsorption, but on PM resuspension. Foliar trichomes can decrease PM resuspension falling on the leaf surface and promote the accumulation of these particles.

Keywords

• air pollution
• atmospheric particulate matter
• epiphytic plant
• foliar trichome
• resuspension