Impacts of Madhas Dam Construction on the Chemical Composition of Plant and Soil Samples from Upstream and Downstream Sites of the Dam

The aim of this study was to assess and compare the impacts of Madhas dam construction on the chemical composition of five plant species (Pluchea dioscoridis, Pulicaria crispa, Tarchonanthus camphoratus, Lavandula pubescens and Argemone ochroleuca) together with soil samples collected from upstream and downstream sites of the dam. Plant samples (stem and leaf) were analyzed for determining total soluble sugars, total free amino acids, free proline, polyphenols, flavonoids and elemental composition. Organic matter and element contents were determined in each soil sample. The studied plants collected from the two sites showed profound variations in their chemical and elemental composition. A significant reduction of sodium content was observed in all plant tissues collected from downstream site of the dam. All plant species from downstream site showed apparent increasing of total soluble sugar, free proline, total polyphenol, flavonoid, nitrogen and potassium contents. Results suggest that the accumulation of these components, in plant species collected from downstream site of the dam, may have an important role in the tolerance of these plants to water stress. Apparent increased of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium, aluminum and manganese levels was noticed in soil samples collected from downstream site of the dam