Effect of automobile lead pollution on Cassia tora L. and Cassia occidentalis L.

Abstract

The effect of car exhaust lead pollution on pollen germination and seed viability of two roadside weeds, Cassia tora L. and Cassia occidentalis L., was studied. A decrease in the percentage of pollen germination and seed viability was observed in plants growing near Highway No. 8. With increasing distance from the highway pollen germination and seed viability improved, and at a distance of 60 m from the road the percentage of pollen germination and seed viability became closer to normal. The decrease in pollen germination and reduction in viability were directly proportional to the amount of lead accumulated in the plants.