Assessing the growth response and behavioral adaptations of Eucalyptus camaldulensis to dust pollution

Abstract

Dust pollution poses significant environmental challenges, affecting plant growth and ecosystem stability in both natural and managed environments. Eucalyptus camaldulensis, commonly known as the River Red Gum, is an important tree species due to its rapid growth, adaptability, and widespread use in reforestation and land reclamation programs. This study was designed to evaluate the growth potential and physiological responses of Eucalyptus camaldulensis under different levels and sources of dust pollution. A pot experiment was conducted in the experimental area of the Institute of Forest Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Five treatments were applied, including T₁ (Control), T₂ (Charcoal dust), T₃ (Wood dust), T₄ (Soil dust), and T₅ (Cement dust), each with three replicates to ensure statistical reliability. The results showed that dust pollution significantly affected plant physiological performance, while Eucalyptus camaldulensis exhibited moderate tolerance under stress conditions. The maximum chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b contents (0.94 mg g⁻¹ FW and 0.67 mg g⁻¹ FW, respectively) were recorded in the control treatment (T₁), whereas the minimum values (0.52 mg g⁻¹ FW and 0.41 mg g⁻¹ FW, respectively) were observed under charcoal dust (T₂). Overall, charcoal dust was the most harmful treatment, followed by cement, soil, and wood dust in terms of negative effects on physiological attributes. This study highlights the potential role of Eucalyptus camaldulensis in mitigating dust pollution impacts. The findings provide useful insights into plant stress physiology and support its application in environmental management, urban plantations, and ecological restoration programs.