Elemental composition of dust deposited onto leaf surfaces was analysed in this study. Leaves of oleander (Nerium oleander L.) were collected for testing the environmental quality from Tripoli (Libya), Tajura (suburban of Tripoli) and Ghadames (remote area). Elemental analysis was carried out by ICP-OES. Principle component analysis (PCA) and enrichment factors were used for characterizing and estimating the level of the pollution. Samples from Tripoli were found to have higher contents of Pb, Zn, Cu in comparison with suburban (Tajura) and remote (Ghadames) areas. Our results demonstrated that the leaves of Nerium oleander were useful indicator to assessment of atmospheric deposition. Only limited information is available on environmental issues in Libya and the results reported here may contribute significantly to the assessment of the quality of the environment in this country.