Comparative physiological adaptations to industrial pollution stress mediated by melatonin in riparian vegetation and Phyla nodiflora an ornamental plant

Abstract

This study explores the macro nutritional contents and endogenous melatonin in the structural differences of riparian flora and horticultural ecotype growing in industrially contaminated environments. Water pollution caused by anthropogenic activities poses uncompromising threats to rivers and water sources, resulting in the extinction of many species and the reduction of others to endangered status. Effluents from the industrial hub of Faisalabad are discharged into the Chenab River in Punjab province. As in other parts of the world, effluents from Faisalabad industries pose a great threat to native vegetation in the area. Therefore, this study was designed to verify the presence of industrial pollution. Moreover, the effects of industrial pollution on native vegetation and the survival strategies of adapted species were also assessed. Results showed that several abiotic stresses have been mitigated by endogenous melatonin in herbs and herb-based products. The survival of herbs depends on specific changes to biochemical compounds like melatonin content and vascular structures. Overall, industrial pollution harmed herbs' metabolism and antioxidant activity, although the reactions of specific species to industrial pollution varied. Changes in the concentration of endogenous melatonin metabolism have been identified as promising indicators for industrial pollution biomonitoring. Internal alterations of plants vegetating at various industrially polluted locations contributed significantly to the high level of tolerance of these plants. The typical reaction of all herbs to increased pollution was growth modification in terms of endogenous melatonin content, moisture content, carbohydrates, crude protein, and dry matter. Most of the proximate, melatonin and chlorophyll content were significantly high in indirectly affected vegetation and high in directly affected industrial pollution. Biochemical investigation specifies that in response to industrial pollution four species Calotropis procera, Eclipta alba, Phyla nodiflora (Ornamental plant) and Ranunculus sceleratus increased the primary metabolites like melatonin, carbohydrates, crude protein, crude fibers, and fats.