Impact of Air Pollution on Plant Physiology and Ecosystem Health

Abstract

Air quality in major cities of developing countries has deteriorated significantly in recent decades due to rapid increases in traffic, vehicular and industrial emissions, and the reduction of urban vegetation cover. This study synthesizes findings from multiple sources to examine the impacts of air pollution on human health, vegetation, and overall ecosystem stability. Air pollutants, including particulate matter, vehicular exhausts, and industrial emissions, have been linked to severe health effects in humans, particularly those with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, these pollutants disrupt plant ecosystems, leading to vegetation injury and crop yield losses.
The study explores the effects of various air pollutants on plant morphology and biochemistry. Pollution-induced stress causes significant changes in leaf morphology, including reductions in leaf area, petiole length, and overall growth. Sensitive species exhibit stomatal damage, early senescence, decreased photosynthetic activity, and disturbed membrane permeability. Furthermore, air pollution impacts pigment content in plants, notably reducing chlorophyll and carotenoids, thereby decreasing photosynthetic efficiency and plant productivity.
The study also highlights the role of soluble sugars and proline in plants' stress responses. Air pollution leads to a reduction in soluble sugars due to chlorophyll degradation and increased respiration rates. Conversely, some resilient species show an increase in soluble sugars and proline, suggesting these compounds play crucial roles in plant defense mechanisms against environmental stressors. The accumulation of proline, in particular, is linked to protection against oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation induced underscores the profound impact of air pollution on plant physiology and ecosystem health, emphasizing the need for effective pollution control measures and the importance of urban vegetation in mitigating air pollution effects.