Effect of cement dust on three halophytic species of the Mediterranean salt marshes in Egypt

The present study was carried out on the halophytic species Salicornia fruticosa. Halocnemum strobilaceum and Arthrocnemum glaucum native to the Mediterranean salt marshes. Plant material were collected at a distance of 1, 3 and 5 km from an early constructed cement factory in the area. Washed cements from the surface area of study plants were found to be about 5•0, 1•7 and 1•0 μg cm−2 at the three locations respectively. Cement increased the mortality of young branches leading to a reduction in the height and cover of the three species, especially Arthrocnemum glaucum, which was most sensitive to the dust. Water content, relative water content and succulence were improved in the living parts of the three species. A considerable increase in proline was found in Arthrocnemum glaucum and in soluble carbohydrate for the other two species.