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<p>The rapid decline of green cover and escalating air pollution have necessitated the identification of pollution-tolerant tree species for sustainable afforestation and urban greening efforts. This study evaluated the bio-indicator potential of <i>Ricinus communis</i> in response to vehicular emissions along two major roads in Punjab, Pakistan: Motorway-5 (Road-1) and Bahawalpur-Rahim Yar Khan Road (Road-2). By analyzing key physiological, biochemical, and anatomical traits, the study aimed to assess the impact of roadside pollutants on plant health and determine its suitability for biomonitoring applications. Elevated concentrations of heavy metals (zinc, iron, lead, cadmium, nickel) and dust particles were detected in leaf samples from roadside plants, particularly at Jalalpur (R-1) and Liaqatpur (R-2), compared to control sites. These pollutants were associated with significant declines in gaseous exchange, water use efficiency, and shoot water potential, with the most pronounced reductions observed at Jalalpur (R-1) and Khanpur (R-2). The observed decrease in photosynthetic pigments, alongside reductions in total soluble proteins, amino acids, and proline content, highlighted severe biochemical stress and impaired metabolic activity under polluted conditions. Anatomical modifications, including reduced midrib, lamina, and vascular bundle thickness, further underscored the structural damage caused by airborne pollutants. The Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) ranged from 9.40 to 3.57, classifying <i>R. communis</i> as a highly sensitive species, with significantly lower APTI values at roadside sites, indicating its vulnerability to vehicular emissions. Despite its sensitivity, <i>R. communis</i> demonstrated effectiveness as a bio-indicator for air quality assessment in pollution-prone regions. These findings emphasized the urgent need for pollution mitigation strategies, including the integration of pollution-tolerant species with dust-absorbing and carbon-sequestering capabilities into urban green spaces. Future research should explore additional biochemical markers to provide a deeper understanding of plant responses to pollution stress and enhance biomonitoring accuracy.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

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Biomonitoring Vehicular Pollution Using Naturally Occurring Indicator Species Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae) Along Roadways

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月4日

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  • Muhammad Faisal Gul,
  • Ummar Iqbal,
  • Muhammad Sharif,
  • Nargis Naz,
  • Farooq Ahmad

摘要

The rapid decline of green cover and escalating air pollution have necessitated the identification of pollution-tolerant tree species for sustainable afforestation and urban greening efforts. This study evaluated the bio-indicator potential of Ricinus communis in response to vehicular emissions along two major roads in Punjab, Pakistan: Motorway-5 (Road-1) and Bahawalpur-Rahim Yar Khan Road (Road-2). By analyzing key physiological, biochemical, and anatomical traits, the study aimed to assess the impact of roadside pollutants on plant health and determine its suitability for biomonitoring applications. Elevated concentrations of heavy metals (zinc, iron, lead, cadmium, nickel) and dust particles were detected in leaf samples from roadside plants, particularly at Jalalpur (R-1) and Liaqatpur (R-2), compared to control sites. These pollutants were associated with significant declines in gaseous exchange, water use efficiency, and shoot water potential, with the most pronounced reductions observed at Jalalpur (R-1) and Khanpur (R-2). The observed decrease in photosynthetic pigments, alongside reductions in total soluble proteins, amino acids, and proline content, highlighted severe biochemical stress and impaired metabolic activity under polluted conditions. Anatomical modifications, including reduced midrib, lamina, and vascular bundle thickness, further underscored the structural damage caused by airborne pollutants. The Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) ranged from 9.40 to 3.57, classifying R. communis as a highly sensitive species, with significantly lower APTI values at roadside sites, indicating its vulnerability to vehicular emissions. Despite its sensitivity, R. communis demonstrated effectiveness as a bio-indicator for air quality assessment in pollution-prone regions. These findings emphasized the urgent need for pollution mitigation strategies, including the integration of pollution-tolerant species with dust-absorbing and carbon-sequestering capabilities into urban green spaces. Future research should explore additional biochemical markers to provide a deeper understanding of plant responses to pollution stress and enhance biomonitoring accuracy.

Graphical Abstract