EN
The erosion of metalliferous spoil tips by atmospheric processes is examined by means of a novel application of a particulate monitor. The importance of vegetation cover in the stabilisation of spoil tips, and particularly in the reduction of atmospheric pollution, is noted. The concentration of particulates in atmospheric samples was related to the degree of vegetation cover on the spoil tip, to wind speed, and to the distance from the metalliferous spoil tip. It is confirmed that particulates are accumulated to a greater extent on the adaxial surface of the leaf.