Effect of cement dust pollution on foliar epidermal structure of Polyalthia longifolia and Eucalyptus globulus growing in the campus of Jaypee cement plant, Rewa (M.P.) India

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of cement dust pollution on foliar epidermal structure of two evergreen plant species viz. Polyalthia longifolia and Eucalyptus globulus growing in the campus of Jaypee cement plant, Rewa (M.P.). Increase in number of epidermal cells and stomata per unit area was observed in leaf samples collected from polluted sites than those from control site by light microscopic method. Results revealed that, as compared to the leaves from control, the length and width of epidermal cells and guard cells reduced considerably in leaves of polluted sites. The observed changes in the epidermal structure of leaves of both species are regarded as adoptive responses, aimed at combating the adverse effects of pollution.