Phytoindication of environmental mutagenesis in the in-situ conditions using the pollen of selected species of native flora

Abstract

The aim of this study is to provide an effective method for indicating ecogenotoxicity in the environment using pollen grains and microspores of selected species of the native flora in the in situ conditions. In the report, we summarize the results of long-term experience with the benefits of native flora species as bioindicators of polluted environments. We present the current results of long-term monitoring of phytoindication of ecogenotoxicity in Bratislava and selected traffic junctions in Slovakia. The increase of pollen grain abortion in the group of localities exposed to a heavy load of traffic pollution demonstrates the ecogenotoxic impact of traffic emissions in the environment. The detailed practical methodological tools and possible difficulties with the classification of abortivity of microspores and pollen grains of these plant species are discussed.