ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Breathing Plants: Analyzing Air Pollution's Effect on Leaf and Stomatal Morphology 

Urban air pollution has emerged as a critical environmental issue, posing significant risks to both human health and the natural environment. Among various environmental stressors, air pollution stands out due to its pervasive nature and detrimental impacts on urban flora. Plants, as integral components of urban ecosystems, are constantly exposed to pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. These pollutants can cause a range of physiological and morphological changes in plants, affecting their growth, development, and overall health. This study investigates the impact of air pollution on the morpho-anatomical characteristics and stomatal index of plant species growing in polluted and non-polluted areas. The research focuses on the adaptive responses of plants to air pollution by examining changes in leaf macro- and micro-morphological traits. Significant reductions in leaf length, breadth, L/B ratio, stomata size, stomata number, stomata index, and stomata frequency were observed. A lower stomata number is suggested to be an adaptation mechanism to minimize the absorption of gaseous pollutants from the air. Additionally, stomata clogging with occluded stomata pores, induced by air pollution, was identified in three plant species. These morphological alterations serve as indicators of environmental stress, providing valuable insights into the initial detection of urban air pollution. This comparative assessment highlights the importance of monitoring morpho-anatomical changes in plants as a tool for environmental pollution studies. The alterations in the leaf morpho-anatomical traits and stomatal characteristics were profound, emphasizing their potential use as reliable indicators of urban air pollution. By systematically comparing plants from polluted and non-polluted areas, the research highlights the crucial role of these morphological changes in the early detection and monitoring of environmental stress. This comparative assessment underscores the importance of integrating morpho-anatomical studies into urban air pollution monitoring programs. The findings contribute to a better understanding of how plants adapt to polluted environments, offering valuable insights for developing strategies to mitigate the impacts of air pollution on urban vegetation.