Bio-monitoring studies on the effect of lead in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) in the arid ecosystem of Kuwait

Lead levels were determined in the unwashed and washed leaves, bark and fruit of dates and in soil from 12 locations in Kuwaitʹs arid environment. ANOVA tests revealed significant difference between unwashed and washed leaves. Only 20% of Pb level in the leaves leached by the washing procedure and thus, 80% of Pb was found accumulated by the leaves. The sequence of Pb levels in all the samples were observed in the order of industries > express highways > city areas. The highest concentration of Pb was noted in the unwashed leaves (5•06 μg g−1 fresh weight) followed by washed leaves (3•52 μg g−1 fresh weight), fruit (2•88 μg g−1 fresh weight) and bark (1•47 μg g−1). The Pb level in surface soil (6•86 μg g−1) was found to be the highest amongst the other samples.