Understanding how plants respond to industrial pollutants is crucial for assessing environmental impacts and developing effective management strategies. This study focused on the structural and biochemical adaptations of Quercus castaneifolia and Zelkova carpinifolia in response to cement dust pollution, which poses a significant environmental risk and adversely affects plant growth. We investigated structural changes in leaves and analyzed key biochemical markers in trees growing near a cement factory in Neka city, Mazandaran province, Iran, to examine the defense mechanisms these species use against dust pollution. Our results demonstrated notable anatomical adaptations in both species, including increased druse crystals and sclerified parenchyma cells. Additionally, Q. castaneifolia leaves showed wall collapse of xylary vessel elements under dust exposure. Biochemically, we observed elevated phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity and higher concentrations of phenolic compounds and lignin in leaves from polluted sites. While Q. castaneifolia exhibited higher PAL activity, Z. carpinifolia showed greater levels of phenolics and lignin, alongside more pronounced anatomical changes. These findings highlight species-specific defense strategies and resilience to cement dust pollution. The study underscores the importance of integrating both anatomical and biochemical parameters in ecological assessments and suggests that environmental management strategies should account for species-specific responses to pollution.
Keywords
, , , , ,
Citation
Kelij S, Hosseinzadeh Z, Rezapour A (2025). Evaluating anatomical and biochemical responses to cement dust pollution in Quercus castaneifolia C.A. Mey. and Zelkova carpinifolia (Pall.). iForest 18: 102-108. - doi: 10.3832/ifor4574-018
Academic Editor
Michele Colangelo
Paper history
Received: Feb 03, 2024
Accepted: Jan 25, 2025
First online: May 10, 2025
Publication Date: Jun 30, 2025
Publication Time: 3.50 months
© SISEF - The Italian Society of Silviculture and Forest Ecology 2025
Open Access
This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made.
Breakdown by View Type
(Waiting for server response...)
Article Usage
Total Article Views: 124
(from publication date up to now)
Breakdown by View Type
HTML Page Views: 28
Abstract Page Views: 48
PDF Downloads: 41
Citation/Reference Downloads: 0
XML Downloads: 7
Web Metrics
Days since publication: 2
Overall contacts: 124
Avg. contacts per week: 434.00
Article Citations
Article citations are based on data periodically collected from the Clarivate Web of Science web site
(last update: Mar 2025)
(No citations were found up to date. Please come back later)
Publication Metrics
by Dimensions ©
Articles citing this article
List of the papers citing this article based on CrossRef Cited-by.
(1)
Agarwal P, Sarkar M, Chakraborty B, Banerjee T (2019)Phytoremediation of air pollutants: prospects and challenges. Phytomanagement of polluted sites 221-241.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(2)
Ahmadi A, Kavosi MR, Soltanloo H (2014)Zelkova carpinifolia reservoir from Hyrcanian Forests, Northern Iran, a new sacrifice of Ophiostoma novo-ulmi. Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity 15 (1): 48-52.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(3)
Asheqian F, Kelij S, Jafari N (2020)The structural adaptations of
Convolvulus persicus, an endangered plant in the northern coasts of Iran. Nova Biologica Reperta 6 (4): 495-504.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(4)
Batool R, Hameed M, Ashraf M, Fatima S, Nawaz T, Ahmad MSA (2014)Structural and functional response to metal toxicity in aquatic
Cyperus alopecuroides Rottb. Limnologica 48: 46-56.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(5)
Bermudez GM, Moreno M, Invernizzi R, Plá R, Pignata ML (2010)Heavy metal pollution in topsoils near a cement plant: the role of organic matter and distance to the source to predict total and HCl-extracted heavy metal concentrations. Chemosphere 78 (4): 375-381.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(6)
Chen Y, Huang L, Liang X, Dai P, Zhang Y, Li B, Lin X, Sun C (2020)Enhancement of polyphenolic metabolism as an adaptive response of lettuce (
Lactuca sativa) roots to aluminum stress. Environmental Pollution 261: 114230.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(7)
Darivasi S, Saeb K, Mollashahi M (2016)Effects of distance from pollutant sources on heavy metal concentrations around Neka cement factory soil. Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 17 (4): 33-44.
Gscholar
(8)
Deng A, Wang L, Chen F, Li Z, Liu W, Liu Y (2018)Soil aggregate-associated heavy metals subjected to different types of land use in subtropical China. Global Ecology and Conservation 16 (1): e00465.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(9)
Dineva S (2004)Comparative studies of the leaf morphology and structure of white ash
Fraxinus americana L. and London plane tree
Platanus acerifolia Willd growing in polluted area. Dendrobiology 52: 3-8.
Gscholar
(10)
El-Sherbeny GAA, Najm AA (2016)Growth, physiological and anatomical behaviour of
Cynanchum acutum in response to cement dust pollution. Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 9 (4): 345-353.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(11)
Emamverdian A, Ding Y, Mokhberdoran F, Xie Y (2015)Heavy metal stress and some mechanisms of plant defense response. Scientific World Journal 756120: 1-18.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(12)
Erdal S, Demirtas A (2010)Effects of cement flue dust from a cement factory on stress parameters and diversity of aquatic plants. Toxicology and industrial health 26 (6): 339-343.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(13)
Evert RF (2006)Esau’s plant anatomy: meristems, cells, and tissues of the plant body: their structure, function, and development. John Wiley and Sons, NJ, USA, pp. 595.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(14)
Förster A, Hertel D, Werner R, Leuschner C (2021)Belowground consequences of converting broadleaf to conifer forest: Comparing the fine root systems of European beech and Scots pine. Forest Ecology and Management 496: 119457.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(15)
Gao P, Zhang X, Xue P, Dong J, Dong Y, Zhao Q, Geng L, Lu Y, Zhao J, Liu W (2022)Mechanism of Pb accumulation in Chinese cabbage leaves: stomata and trichomes regulate foliar uptake of Pb in atmospheric PM
2.5. Environmental Pollution 293: 118585.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(16)
Ghanati F, Morita A, Yokota H (2002)Induction of suberin and increase of lignin content by excess boron in tobacco cells. Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 48 (3): 357-364.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(17)
Gomes MP, Marques TC, Nogueira MD, Castro EM, Soares M (2011)Ecophysiological and anatomical changes due to uptake and accumulation of heavy metal in
Brachiaria decumbens. Scientia Agricola 68 (5): 566-573.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(18)
Gonzalez-Mendoza D, Troncoso-Rojas R, Gonzalez-Soto T, Grimaldo-Juarez O, Cecena-Duran C, Duran-Hernandez D, Gutierrez-Miceli F (2018)Changes in the phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity, total phenolic compounds, and flavonoids in
Prosopis glandulosa treated with cadmium and copper. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências 90: 1465-1472.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(19)
Gostin I (2010)Structural changes in silver fir needles in response to air pollution. Analele Universitatii din Oradea, Fascicula Biologie 17 (2): 300-305.
Gscholar
(20)
Kabata-Pendias A (2010)Trace elements in soils and plants (4th edn). CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA, pp. 548.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(21)
Khosropour E, Attarod P, Shirvany A, Pypker TG, Bayramzadeh V, Hakimi L, Moeinaddini M (2018)Response of
Platanus orientalis leaves to urban pollution by heavy metals. Journal of Forestry Research 30: 1437-1445.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(22)
Kim DS, Hwang BK (2014)An important role of the pepper phenylalanine ammonia-lyase gene (PAL1) in salicylic acid-dependent signalling of the defence response to microbial pathogens. Journal of Experimental Botany 65 (9): 2295-2306.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(23)
Kisa D, Elmastas M, Oztürk L, Kayir O (2016)Responses of the phenolic compounds of
Zea mays under heavy metal stress. Applied Biological Chemistry 59: 813-820.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(24)
Krzeslowska M, Timmers AC, Mleczek M, Niedzielski P, Rabeda I, Wozny A, Golinski P (2019)Alterations of root architecture and cell wall modifications in
Tilia cordata Miller (Linden) growing on mining sludge. Environmental Pollution 248: 247-259.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(25)
Naikoo MI, Dar MI, Raghib F, Jaleel H, Ahmad B, Raina A, Khan FA, Naushin F (2019)Role and regulation of plants phenolics in abiotic stress tolerance: an overview. Plant Signaling Molecules 2019: 157-168.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(26)
Naji HR, Taherpour M (2019)The effect of simulated dust storm on wood development and leaf stomata in
Quercus brantii L. Desert 24 (1): 43-49.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(27)
Oloumi H, Rezanejad F, Gholipoor Z (2018)Heavy metal accumulation and changes in phenylpropanoid metabolism induced by mining activities in leaves of
Pinus nigra and
Pinus eldarica. Acta Biologica Slovenica 61 (1): 25-34.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(28)
Panah A, Karamshahi A, Mirzaei J, Darabi M (2016)Phytoremediation of Cd, Zn, Pb and Mn in leaf of nine trees species around the cement factory (phytoremediation of heavy metals in trees species). Journal of Research in Environmental Health 2 (3): 212-220.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(29)
Papadopoulou S, Stefi AL, Meletiou-Christou MS, Christodoulakis NS, Gkikas D, Rhizopoulou S (2023)Structural and physiological traits of compound leaves of
Ceratonia siliqua trees grown in urban and suburban ambient conditions. Plants 12 (3) 514: 1-18.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(30)
Pawlak-Sprada S, Arasimowicz-Jelonek M, Podgórska M, Deckert J (2011)Activation of phenylpropanoid pathway in legume plants exposed to heavy metals. Part I. Effects of cadmium and lead on phenylalanine ammonia-lyase gene expression, enzyme activity and lignin content. Acta Biochimica Polonica 58 (2): 211-216.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(31)
Pourkhabbaz A, Rastin N, Olbrich A, Langenfeld-Heyser R, Polle A (2010)Influence of environmental pollution on leaf properties of urban plane trees,
Platanus orientalis L. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 85: 251-255.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(32)
Qin X, Sun N, Ma L, Chang Y, Mu L (2014)Anatomical and physiological responses of Colorado blue spruce to vehicle exhausts. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 21: 11094-11098.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(33)
Rao KS, Rajput KS, SrinivasT (2004)Seasonal cambial anatomy and development of xylem in
Dalbergia sissoo growing under the influence of combined air pollutants. Journal of Sustainable Forestry 18 (1): 73-88.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(34)
Rezapour A, Labbafi M, Oja T (2022)The impact of soil warming on fine root trait responses of trees, deciduous
vs. coniferous: a meta-analysis. Forestry Studies 77 (1): 67-75.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(35)
Sandalio LM, Dalurzo HC, Gomez M, Romero Puertas MC, Del Rio LA (2001)Cadmium-induced changes in the growth and oxidative metabolism of pea plants. Journal of Experimental Botany 52 (364): 2115-2126.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(36)
Sawidis T, Krystallidis P, Veros D, Chettri M (2012)A study of air pollution with heavy metals in Athen’s city and Attica basin using evergreen trees as biological indicators. Biological trace element research 148: 396-408.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(37)
Sett R (2017)Responses in plants exposed to dust pollution. Horticulture International Journal 1 (2): 53-56.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(38)
Shah K, Amin NU, Ahmad I, Ara G, Rahman MU, Zuo X, Xing L, Ren X (2019)Cement dust induces stress and attenuates photosynthesis in
Arachis hypogaea. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 26: 19490-19501.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(39)
Shah K, An N, Ma W, Ara G, Ali K, Kamanova S, Zuo X, Han M, Ren X, Xing L (2020)Chronic cement dust load induces novel damages in foliage and buds of
Malus domestica. Scientific Reports 10 (1): 12186.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(40)
Sharma A, Shahzad B, Rehman A, Bhardwaj R, Landi M, Zheng B (2019)Response of phenylpropanoid pathway and the role of polyphenols in plants under abiotic stress. Molecules 24 (13): 2452.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(41)
Sheikh Hasan F, Saeidi Mehrvarz S, Asri Y (2013)Quercus castaneifolia ecotyping on the basis of effective ecological factors on leaf and fruit morphological characteristics in the forests of Guilan province (N Iran). Rostaniha 14 (2): 149-162.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(42)
Singleton VL, Orthofer R, Lamuela-Raventós RM (1999)Analysis of total phenols and other oxidation substrates and antioxidants by means of folin-ciocalteu reagent. Methods in Enzymology 299: 152-178.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(43)
Thawale PR, Satheesh Babu S, Wakode RR, Singh SK, Kumar S, Juwarkar AA (2011)Biochemical changes in plant leaves as a biomarker of pollution due to anthropogenic activity. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 177 (1-4): 527-35.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(44)
Veselkin DV (2004)Anatomical structure of ectomycorrhiza in
Abies sibirica Ledeb. and
Picea obovata Ledeb. under conditions of forest ecosystems polluted with emissions from copper-smelting works. Russian Journal of Ecology 35: 71-78.
CrossRef |
Gscholar
(45)
Ziaei M, Sharifi M, Behmanesh M, Razavi K (2012)Gene expression and activity of phenylalanine amonialyase and essential oil composition of
Ocimum basilicum L. at different growth stages. Iranian Journal of Biotechnology 10: 32-39.
Online |
Gscholar
