The effects of dusts of bartin cement factory on Taurus Cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) seeds' germination

Abstract

The present study effects of pollutant particles from Bartm Cement Factory on development of seeds and leaves of Taurus Cedar (Cedrus libani Rich.) which in plantation area around the factory were examined. For this purpose, seeds were collected from sampling trees located 200m, 400m, 600m, 800m and 1000m (control) and zermination percentage of seeds, and total chlorophyll content of seedlings were determined. Moreover, in the present study, the air movement around Bartin Cement Factory and level of pollutants in sampling areas were also determined. The directions of the prevailing winds around the cement factory were North, and Northwest. From the aspect of pollutant material level, the array of sampling areas was SP1>SP2>SP3>SP4>C. On the other hand, evaluating the results of mean seed germination percentages, a significant difference (P<0.01) was noted between control and seeds of Taurus Cedar at various distances from are pollutant source. From the aspect of the power of seeds collected with 3 repetitions from Taurus Cedars located at various distances, it a significant difference (P<0.01) was found between the control and experimental groups. Accordingly, from both the aspects of mean germination percentage and seed power, an apparent increase was observed from 400 m distance. On the other hand, as the distance from cement factory increased, total chlorophyll content in Taurus Cedar seedlings increases significantly. Results of bilateral regression analysis evaluated exponential relationship at level 97% between these 2 variables.