In the present study, we attempted to determine the effects of cement dust on
the adaptations of plants growing in polluted area and to compare it with a leeward site
(control) of the cement factory that was unpolluted. The emphasis was also given to observe
the effects of cement dust on the soil characteristics of the factory area. The introduction of
cement dust from a cement factory produced negative effects on the morphological traits of
both plant species (
Atriplex griffithii
and
Prosopis juliflora
) growing at the polluted as
compared to unpolluted area. Low seedling height and plant circumference for
A. griffithii
and
P. juliflora were observed at the polluted site of the cement factory.
A. griffithii showed
significant reduction in leaf area growing at the polluted site as compared to control site.
Similarly, a significant (p<0.05) reduction in leaf area was also recorded for
P. juliflora at the
polluted sites. The growth pattern of
A. griffithii and
P. juliflora looked more greener, better
in plant height and healthier as observed at unpolluted sites. No significant difference in
vegetative growth for both plant species for plant height and circumference was seen at the
polluted sites of the factory. We believe that the underlying edaphic factor and genotypic
ability of both species helped to some extent in adaptation to the extreme habitat conditions at
the polluted sites. The significance differences in soil pH level and organic matter contents
were recorded from polluted area as compared to control site.
