The impact of Heavy dust pollution reduces biodiversity by altering the metabolism and biochemical characteristics of Fagonia indica

Abstract Present study was conducted to explore the population dynamics in vegetation of Kirana Hills, Sargodha growing under extreme dust pollution of stone crushing industry. Through extensive survey study sites were selected and floristic composition of the area was also completed. Heavy metal analysis of the dust revealed that all heavy metals were higher at extreme dust sites particularly in winter. The soil at each site and at each season varies based on the soil analysis. Vegetation data was collected by using quadrate method. Density, frequency, coverage and importance value of vegetation was significantly decreased at extreme dust sites specifically in winter. Fagonia indica was collected throughout the study sites and evaluated for morpho-anatomical, biochemical, and physiological characteristics. Metabolic and morpho-anatomical features of all plants were severely affected at extreme dust sites, however high metabolic rate, high sclerification in leaf, root and stem along with presence of large aerenchyma cells in roots were also noticed at extreme dust sites, and these modifications help to survive in such harsh dust polluted environment. In biochemical parameters reactive oxygen species (H2O2) production was increased at extreme dust sites, furthermore activity of enzymatic antioxidants, non-enzymatic antioxidants and osmoprotectant were increased at extreme dust sites in F. indica. Metabolic rate and concentration of heavy metals in selected ecotype also increased at extreme dust sites.