Determination of heavy metals and Morpho-anatomical characteristics of monocots Aristida mutabilis and Cenchrus ciliaris in dust polluted stone crushing industry of Sargodha, Pakistan

Abstract The current investigation was carried out to examine the population dynamics in the vegetation growing in the severe dust pollution caused by the stone crushing industry in Sargodha's Kirana Hills. The floristic composition of the area was completed and study sites were chosen through a thorough survey. Data about dust, soil, and vegetation were gathered from all study sites at all times of the year in order to investigate seasonal variations in the structure of the plant community and the factors causing these variations. All heavy metal concentrations were higher at extreme dust sites, especially in the winter, according to a heavy metal analysis of the dust. Based on soil analysis, different sites and seasons had different soil compositions. Herbs were collected from all research sites in all seasons to investigate seasonal fluctuations in morpho-anatomical, biochemical, and physiological features in the vegetation and heavy metal analysis. All plants' morpho-anatomical features were severely affected in extreme dust sites, particularly in the winter. However, all plants in these sites also showed high levels of sclerification in their leaves, roots, and stems, as well as the presence of large aerenchyma cells in their roots. These modifications help the plants survive in such a harsh and polluted environment. Extreme dust areas significantly reduced the physiological characteristics of all plants, especially during the winter.Reactive oxygen species (H2O2) production was elevated in extreme dust sites according to biochemical parameters. Additionally, enzymatic, non-enzymatic, and osmoprotective antioxidant activity was elevated at extreme dust sites, primarily during the winter. These modifications aid in the survival of local plants in the severely dust-polluted environment. Heavy metal concentration in all studied ecotypes increased at extreme dust areas, particularly in the winter; this may have been caused by phytoaccumulation.