Ecological adaptability of invasive weeds under environmental pollutants: A review

Global ecosystems are undergoing rapid and unprecedented transformations due to a range of human activities, including land development, pollution, the introduction of invasive species, higher levels of CO2 emissions, alterations in disturbance patterns, and shifts in climate trends. The extremities of these activities bring significant changes in species distributions and the emergence of new ecosystems, posing increasing challenges for maintaining biodiversity, ecosystem functionality, and social eudaemonia. In ecology, the concept of invasibility or invasiveness involves identifying traits that dictate susceptibility to invasion, encompassing factors like species composition, community diversity, and assembly dynamics. Environmental pollutants play a significant role in shaping the invasibility of invasive species by altering ecosystem composition and functioning. This can reduce the competitiveness of native species while creating favorable conditions for the establishment of invasive species. This review consolidates existing research to elucidate the mechanisms through which invasive weeds navigate and exploit polluted environments. By analyzing the interactions between invasive weeds, pollutants, and native species, this review sheds light on the intricate strategies that enable these weeds to establish dominance and outcompete indigenous flora. Furthermore, the review highlights the implications of this adaptability for ecosystem stability and management efforts. In conclusion, a nuanced understanding of how invasive weeds interact with environmental pollutants can provide valuable insights for devising effective strategies to mitigate their impact and restore ecological balance. This understanding is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by invasive species and their interactions with changing environmental conditions.