A study of the distribution pattern of lead in the leaves of banyan trees (Ficus benghalensis) from different traffic density regions of Calcutta.
The accumulation of lead from motor vehicle exhaust on leaves of banyan trees (Ficus benghalensis) growing on roadsides from different traffic density regions of Calcutta has been investigated and the values have been compared with a few samples from remote areas. The analysis has been performed during the summer (April-July) and winter (November-January) months to study the effect of seasonal variations, if any. The results indicate that in high and medium traffic regions, lead content of banyan leaves is high and is more prominent in winter months than in summer months. Such changes due to seasonal variations are not marked in low and zero traffic density regions. This preliminary investigation demonstrates a general indication of the distribution pattern of lead in plants exposed to motor vehicle exhaust along a relatively busy thoroughfare of the city of Calcutta.