Effect of traffic noise on the physiological characteristics of Salvia Splendens

Traffic noise pollution is one of the most important environmental problems in today societies, especially in populated cities around the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of traffic noise on physiological traits of Salvia splendens. Plants were divided into two equal groups (control and treatment) and each group was grown in two separate growth rooms for two months under the same controlled conditions. Traffic noise was recorded during peak traffic hours in the city. Frequency analysis was performed on the samples during the recording process. Plants in the exposed group were exposed to traffic noise for 15 days and 16 hours a day, while the plants in the control group were placed in complete silence. Exposure to traffic noise led to an increase in calcium content, hydrogen peroxide content, followed by the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase compared to the control group. On the other hand, traffic noise significantly decreased indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content and increased the content of Absisic acid (ABA). According to the results of this study, traffic noise by creating oxidative damage and interfere with hormonal balance can have a negative impact on the growth and physiology of Salvia splendens.