Biochemical and Ultrastructural Changes in Sida cordifolia L. and Catharanthus roseus L. to Auto Pollution

Effect of auto-exhaust pollution on leaf anatomy and micromorphology of Pistacia vera L

One of the important causes of air pollution is automobile emissions Automobile exhausts can be toxic and harmful to plants. In light of this, this study aimed to examine the anatomical and micromorphological effects of auto exhaust pollution on Pistacia vera L. (Pistachio), an important agricultural plant. Pistachio leaflet samples taken from heavy traffic areas and rural areas were compared anatomically and micromorphologically. Also, the data were statistically evaluated. As a result of the study, it was seen that there are anatomical and micromorphological differences between the plant in the rural area and the plant in the heavy traffic area in the city center where air pollution and the number of cars are high. In particular, significant differences were detected in the epidermis surface and cuticle structure, trichome cover, stomatal characteristics, as well as mesophyll width, and epidermis anticlinal outer wall width. As a result, the study revealed that the agriculturally important P. vera is affected by pollution anatomically and micromorphologically.

Influence of Pollution on Photosynthesis Pigment Content in Needles of Picea abies and Picea pungens in Conditions of Development of Iron Ore Deposits

We studied photosynthetic pigments in needles of Pісеа аbies and P. pungens in plantings exposed to aerotechnogenic influence of various levels in the big industrial center of steppe zone of Ukraine (Kryvyi Rih). We analyzed the pigment content in needles of the second year of life sampled from 30 to 40-year-old trees of both species in 6 monitoring sites for 5 months. For the needles of P. аbies and P. pungens from all the sites, we noticed the decreasing content of chlorophyll a (to 27.2 and 25.0%, respectively) and chlorophyll b (to 17.9 and 20.0%, respectively) from May till September, in comparison with background territory. At the same time, the content of carotenoids performing the protective function in photosynthetic reactions increased up to 26.1 and 24.0%, respectively. For P. аbies and P. pungens growing in conditions of intensive technogenic pressure, we ascertained that, during investigations, the sum of chlorophylls (a + b) rate decreased to 24.4 and 23.6%, respectively; ratio (a/b) decreased to 11.4 and 12.3%, respectively; ratio (chlorophylls [a + b]/carotenoids) also decreased to 30.1 and 38.0%, respectively, in comparison with plants from the least polluted site. It is shown that the most intensive negative influence on plantings is caused by industrial pollution and exhaust gases: the minimum or, more rarely, the maximum rates of pigment content appeared in needles of the plants exactly from these sites. Our research results demonstrate the feasibility of using the pigment complexes of P. аbies and P. pungens, with the assimilative apparatus sensitive to air pollution damage, as indicators of air environmental conditions.

Determination of Leaf Dust Accumulation on Certain Plant Species Grown Alongside National Highway- 22, India

Vehicular traffic is one of the major contributors to accumulate dust on plants grown alongside roads. Plants intercept tons of dust, absorb noise and serve as acoustic screens on busy highways. Vegetation contributes in reducing dust concentration in environment by acting as a sink for air pollutants. Taking this into account, the present study was conducted on National highway- 22 from Parwanoo to Solan, falling in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Specifically, four plant species namely Grewia optiva Drummond ex Burret, Toona ciliata M. Roem, Melia azedarach L. and Woodfordia floribunda (L.) Kurz of uniform size, age, spread and common in occurrence on both sides of the highway were selected for the study. Dust accumulation on leaves of selected plants was estimated during three main seasons (Rainy, Winter and Summer) of the year. Samples were collected from two horizontal distances (0-5 m and 5-10 m) from both sides of the road. Results showed that dust accumulation on the leaves ranged from 0.0083 g m-2 in T. ciliata to 0.0597 g m-2 in G. optiva and followed the descending order G. optiva > W. floribunda > M. azedarach > T. ciliata. Season wisethe examined plant species followed the descending order winter > summer > rainy season. Plants grown at a distance of 0-5 m accumulated higher dust on their leaves as compared to 5-10 m distance from the road. Due to surface characteristics of twigs, bark and foliage of the plants particulate matters are captured by them and remain there for extended time period. From the results of this study, it could be inferred that the air quality in urban/ arid areas can be improved by planting firstly the species G. optiva and W. floribunda along road sides of similar highways to national highway-22.