Leaf surface structure alterations due to particulate pollution in some common plants

The plant foliar surface is the most important receptor of atmospheric pollutants. It undergoes several structural and functional changes when particulate-laden air strikes it. In the present investigation, ten annual plant species viz., Abelmoschus esculentus, Celosia cristata, Coleus blumei, Cyamopsis tetragonolobus, Gomphrena globosa, Impatiens balsamina, Ocimum sanctum, Phaseolus vulgaris, Solanum melongena, and Zinnia elegans were studied for their growth parameters and leaf morphological features. They were subjected to dust experimentally for 60 days. The micro-morphological traits like wax, cuticle, epidermis, stomata, and trichomes were observed under light and scanning electron microscopes. Remarkable differences in the growth parameters and micro-morphological features were recorded in the dust-treated plants when compared to the respective controls. The reduction in growth parameters, the size of epidermal cells, and stomata were reduced and cuticle damage was also observed. The relative proportion of fine particles, which play a major role in hampering the overall growth of a plant, was higher in comparison to ultra-fine and coarse particles.