The use of Sunpatiens (Impatiens spp.) as a bioindicator of some simulated air pollutants – Using an ornamental plant as bioindicator

Sunpatiens were exposed separately or combined to ozone gas (130 ppb), fluoranthene (10 μM) and sulphuric acid mists (pH 3) sprayed as simulated pollutants in chamber conditions for 21 d. The treatments negatively affected the gas (CO2 and moisture) exchange, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence, and the leaf-quality expressed in chlorophyll value (SPAD). Fluoranthene and the acid individual negative effects on the measured eco-physiological variables were nearly the same on Sunpatiens; their effects became aggravated on combining the duo. The foliar symptom assessments of chlorosis, necrosis and stippling revealed severe damages in ozone containing treatments compared with other treatments. The presence of fluoranthene exuberate ozone negative effects on some of the plant eco-physiological status. Where mannitol (1 mM) additions were contained in treatments, mitigation effects of the negative impact of pollutants resulted. These findings indicated that Sunpatiens can be used as an active bioindicator of singular and multiple pollutants in field conditions.