Journal of Environmental Biology

Characterization and phytotoxicity studies of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in Chennai urban area 

M. Durga¹, S. Bharathi¹, P. Balakrishna Murthy² and T. Devasena¹*

¹Centre For Nanoscience and Technology,? Anna University, Chennai-600 025, India

²International Institute of Biotechnology and Toxicology (IIBAT), Padappai - 601 301, India

*Corresponding Author?s E-mail: tdevasenabio@gmail.com 

 Publication Data

Paper received:

10 October 2013

Revised received:

09 April 2014

Accepted:

17 June 2014

Abstract

Airborne suspended particulate matter (SPM) collected from urban areas of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India were characterized by high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) along with Energy Dispersive X ray (EDX) microanalysis system. The imaging technique showed the presence of complex branched or layered structure with their size ranging from 26 to 34 nm. The EDX analysis revealed the presence of several elements such as, C, O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Fe, Zn and Pb. The aim of this study was to find the effects of various concentrations of diesel and petrol exhaust particles (DEPs and PEPs) on Bacopa monnieri, a traditional medicinal plant. The results of the present study showed that there were significant changes (p<0.05) in plant morphology (% shoot induction and number of shootlets /explants) and its biochemical properties (% inhibition of DPPH radical , total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total protein) with different concentrations of DEP in a dose dependent manner as compared to control. Significant decrease in % inhibition of DPPH radical was evident in the PEP treated group when compared to the control.? No significant changes were observed in other parameters for PEP treated group.? Bacopa monnieri was found to be more sensitive to DEPs as compared to PEPs. The results in the present study obtained helped to understand the interaction of vehicle exhaust nanoparticles with the ecosystem.   

 Key words

Chennai region, Particulate matter, Phytotoxicity, Vehicle exhaust

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