Adaptation in Atriplex griffithii and Prosopis juliflora plants in response to cement dust pollution

Abstract

In the present study, we attempted to determine the effects of cement dust on the adaptations of plants growing in polluted area and to compare it with a leeward site (control) of the cement factory that was unpolluted. The emphasis was also given to observe the effects of cement dust on the soil characteristics of the factory area. The introduction of cement dust from a cement factory produced negative effects on the morphological traits of both plant species (Atriplex griffithii and Prosopis juliflora) growing at the polluted as compared to unpolluted area. Low seedling height and plant circumference for A. griffithii andi were observed at the polluted site of the cement factory. A. griffithii showed significant reduction in leaf area growing at the polluted site as compared to control site. Similarly, a significant (p<0.05) reduction in leaf area was also recorded for P. juliflora at the polluted sites. The growth pattern of A. griffithii and P. juliflora looked more greener, better in plant height and healthier as observed at unpolluted sites. No significant difference in vegetative growth for both plant species for plant height and circumference was seen at the polluted sites of the factory. We believe that the underlying edaphic factor and genotypic ability of both species helped to some extent in adaptation to the extreme habitat conditions at the polluted sites. The significance differences in soil pH level and organic matter contents were recorded from polluted area as compared to control site. © JASEM