Role of abiotic stress factors from natural and anthropogenic sources in plant-environment interaction

Abiotic stressors can originate from either nature or humans and affect plants in their open environments. Heat, sunlight, drought, and soil salinity are examples of natural stressors; heavy metals, organic compounds, particulate matter, inorganic gases, and micro and nanoplastics are examples of anthropogenic stressors. Plants may physiologically and biochemically react to these stresses by, for example, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), altering the pH of their leaves, and changing their shape. At its most severe, it can stunt plant development, harm plant tissues, and even kill plants. Plants, on the other hand, can be useful in phytoremediation as both bioindicators and resilient species. Environmental pollution, contamination, and stress-induced changes to bioactive compounds must be considered whenever plants are considered for their micronutrient content or medicinal properties.