Impact of Roadside Pollution on the Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Wheat Plants (Triticum aestivum)

Abstract

An important environmental concern is roadside pollution, especially in areas with heavy traffic. Concern about how pollutants such gaseous emissions, heavy metals, and particulate matter affect plant health is rising. This study looks at how highway pollution affects wheat plants' (Triticum aestivum) development and physiological traits. Morphological features, photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll concentration, and stress markers such proline buildup were evaluated in both field and lab trials. The findings show that exposure to vehicle emissions significantly lowers growth indices and physiological efficiency, which in turn impacts plant production as a whole. The results emphasize the necessity of mitigating techniques to reduce agricultural losses brought on by pollution.

Roadside pollution significantly reduces plant growth, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, and antioxidant enzyme activity, while increasing oxidative stress. These findings highlight the negative effects of vehicular emissions on crop productivity and underscore the need for mitigation strategies to protect agricultural yields in polluted environments. This study examines the effects of roadside pollution on the growth and physiological characteristics of wheat plants (Triticum aestivum), a staple crop of global importance. The study was conducted over a six-month period, comparing wheat plants grown near a busy roadside with those grown in a controlled, pollution-free environment.