Abstract
Deposition effect of cement dust on pigmentation was studied in Zygophyllum coccineum, Salsola tetrandra, Cyperus conglomeratus, Limonium axillare and Suaede vermiculata. Measurements were taken for plants in two cites , one close to early constructed cement factory at (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) about 500 meters and other one far from the factory about 5 kilometers. The rate of mortality of young branches were high in the area subjected to the cement dust in all five species, whereas Salsola tetandra and Suaede vermiculata are the most sensitive among them. Unless Cyperus conglomerotus, It is noted that amount of chl a, b and carotenoids in all investigated plants that are far away from cement dust more than that near from the factory. Carbohydrates and protein contents are significantly decreased in non polluted Salsola tetandra and Suaeda vermiculata, whereas these parameters increased significantly parallel to the dust accumulation rate on plants near to the factory. In general, pollution by the cement dust has caused adverse effects on the photosynthetic pigments, the pH of the cell sap, metabolism of soluble amino acids and soluble sugars.
Highlights
Physiological disorders such as reduced growth is due to the cumulative effects of the causal factors on the physiological processes necessary for plant growth and its development (Schutzki and Cregg, 2007)
Greater decrease in chlorophyll a and b contents were clearly observed in Salsola tetandra and Limonium axillare
Chlorophyll a, b and chl a/b ratio were significantly increased in Cyperus conglomeratus together with increasing dust accumulation in plant leaves near to the factory (Table2 and Fig.3)
Summary
Physiological disorders such as reduced growth is due to the cumulative effects of the causal factors on the physiological processes necessary for plant growth and its development (Schutzki and Cregg, 2007). Due to immobility of higher plants, it need a greater protection against several stresses, including low and high temperature, water stress, salinity, metal toxicity, and others. Air pollution has a diverse effect on many metabolic process in plants such as photosynthetic activities, mitochondrial respiration and stomatal clogging of plants (Miller et al, 1973). Over the last three decades, the industrial and human activities in the coastal area of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have increased dramatically and resulted in the continuous invasion of different types of pollutants including heavy metals (Holick, 1995). Industries are emitting toxic substances which adversely affect man's food supply by polluting nearby growing plants. Ambient level of air pollution has been shown to affect stomatal conductance, photosynthesis and root morphology of young beech (Taylor and Davies, 1990).
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