Seed Plants as a Sustainable Biomonitoring Tool for Environmental Pollutants

Seed plants, encompassing many species, have emerged as robust and sustainable biomonitoring tools for assessing environmental pollutants. This chapter explores the significance of seed plants in ecological monitoring, focusing on their ability to accumulate, respond to, and indicate various pollutants in terrestrial ecosystems. Seed plants are effective bioindicators for contaminants, including heavy metals, organic pollutants, and emerging pollutants like nanoparticles and pharmaceuticals. Their adaptability, ubiquity, and ability to integrate long-term exposure make them valuable sentinels for environmental health. Furthermore, advancements in molecular and analytical techniques have enabled the development of biomarker-driven approaches, enhancing the precision and sensitivity of seed plant-based monitoring. This chapter underscores the potential of seed plants in monitoring environmental quality, emphasising their role in sustainable ecological assessments, pollution mitigation, and informed decision-making for a healthier planet.