Effects of industrial water pollution on morphological, anatomical, and male reproductive characteristics of Suaeda maritima

Suaeda maritima L. Dumort is one of the most resistant halophyte plants. The purpose of this study was to investigate structural changes in S. maritima and alterations in morphology under wastewater contamination. Very young seedlings of S. maritima were sampled from their natural habitat and treated with tap water and industrial wastewater as the control and treatment, for three months. Then, the plant organs were fixed in FAA fixative and submitted to microtome sectioning, staining, and observation by light microscopy. The Stereolite software quantified the observation. Results showed that the polluted plants were paler in color, had sparse leaves during the vegetative phase, and had a delayed reproductive phase. Root compared to control. These included cell disorders and abnormalities, as well as the changes in cell sizes, tissue layer thicknesses in the stem and root, and cell density. In reproductive organs of the treated plants, changes were observed in the number, size, and shape of pollen grains and the thickness of the anther endocardium layer. The study concluded that industrial wastewater can affect plant morphology and reproductive traits, potentially impairing the spread of the next generation.

کلیدواژه ها:

Anatomical structure ، Microsporogenesis ، Heavy Metals ، wastewater treatment