Biodiversity in Danger: Meiotic Errors, Diads and Pollen Sterility in Focus with Heavy Metal and Pesticides Contamination

The plants are affected by a long-term exposure to a number of pollutants in the semi-natural and urban ecosystems. The present work focuses on the studies of cytogenetical aspects such as the pollen mother cell (PMC) meiosis, meiotic product, and pollen fertility. In the plant specimens collected from polluted localities, the percentage of meiotic abnormalities has been found to be significantly higher as compared to the control specimens. Soil samples were also analyzed to detect the percentage of heavy metals and organochlorines. The genotoxic studies on plants are recognized as a good indicator of the health of environment. The present study shows that due to a high prevalence of genotoxic pollutants, the people of Karachi?s urban and sub-urban areas are exposed to a dangerously unhealthy environment. Besides, not only the natural biodiversity is at risk in the urban and sub-urban parts of Karachi Division and adjacent areas; but the pollutants emanating from agricultural and industrial activities may also be harming the surrounding pristine ecosystems.