Page 52 - AJWEP-v22i3

Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution. Vol. 22, No. 3 (2025), pp. 46-62.
doi: 10.36922/ajwep.8523

ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE

Variation in phytochemical and functional traits of Suaeda
monoica across three sites in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Ameina S. Almoshadak*

Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
*Corresponding author: Ameina S. Almoshadak (aalmashdaq@kau.edu.sa)

Received: January 13, 2025; 1st revised: January 16, 2025; 2nd revised: February 15, 2025;
3rd revised: February 25, 2025; Accepted: February 28, 2025; Published Online: April 28, 2025

Abstract: This study explores the intricate relationship between collection sites and the physiological responses
of Suaeda monoica in Jeddah, focusing on photosynthetic pigment levels, osmomodulatory compounds, secondary
metabolites, antioxidant potential, nutrient content, and heavy metal accumulation. Site (S)1 sample exhibited the
highest chlorophylls a and b contents, whereas the S3 sample showed superior carotenoid levels. Osmoregulatory
compounds demonstrated significant site-specific variations, with the S3 sample displaying elevated soluble
sugar levels and the S1 sample showing heightened levels of soluble proteins and free amino acids. Secondary
metabolites, encompassing phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids, exhibited distinct accumulation patterns
in samples across sites, with phenols being the most prevalent. In addition, the site samples’ antioxidant potential
(1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl activity and total antioxidant capacity) varied significantly, with the S1 sample
displaying notable antioxidant capacity. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of S. monoica leaf
ethanolic extracts revealed significant qualitative and quantitative variances linked to the collection sites, revealing
a rich diversity of chemical classes. Site-specific phytoconstituents, such as palmitic and nonanoic acids, and unique
compounds, such as 2-thiazolamine, characterized the compositions at different sites, suggesting an environmental
influence on phytochemical profiles. Furthermore, nitrogen and phosphorus levels varied significantly across sites
and plant organs, with the S1 sample showing elevated nitrogen content in roots and phosphorus content in leaves.
Heavy metal accumulation varied markedly between soil, roots, and leaves, emphasizing the phytoremediation
potential of S. monoica. Collectively, these results illustrated the versatility and phytoremediation potential of
S. monoica with its growth habitat.

Keywords: Suaeda monoica; Halophytes; Secondary metabolites; Osmotic adjustment; Antioxidative potential;
Phytochemical composition; Phytoremediation

1. Introduction garnered interest for its possible therapeutic effects
and contribution to preserving coastal ecosystems.
1,2
Suaeda monoica Forssk. ex J. F. Gmel. (commonly known The morphological structure of S. monoica enables it
as sea blight) is a plant species predominant in coastal to flourish in many habitats, including salty and coastal
salt marshes belonging to the family Amaranthaceae. ones. The plant is characterized by its succulent nature,
1
This plant has an intriguing morphology, demonstrates featuring thick, fleshy green stems and leaves. The plant
adaptation to many environments, and possesses notable exhibits a prostrate or ascending growth habit, attaining
ecological and economic significance. S. monoica has a vertical height of 10 – 50 cm. The edible leaves

Volume 22 Issue 3 (2025) 46 doi: 10.36922/ajwep.8523