Air borne particulate distributions and their accumulation in tree canopies,Nottingham, UK

Summary The deposition of particulates emanating from the south of Nottingham, UK, where the coal-fired power station of Ratcliffe- on-Soar is an important industry was assessed using snow samples, dry deposition gauges, and precipitation gauges.Effects of leaf characteristics in terms of shape, surface area, presentation, and cuticular texture on particulate accumulation were examined. Leaves possessing a large surface area, rough cuticular surface and with a horizontal presentation, were particularly effective in the accumulation of particulates. The penetration of particulates through the foliar canopy is discussed.The senior author is Section Leader and Principal Lecturer in Ecology in the Department of Life Sciences at Trent Polytechnic.