Air pollution tolerance index of plants a comparative study

Abstract

Objective: Air pollution is both anthropogenic and natural. But, whatever mode, whether natural or artificial, it is a major concern in to-days developing country like India. Since, pollution is an upcoming issue, we aimed at assessing the air pollution tolerance index of plants at two different locations. The locations selected were near road sides of railway junction (location 1) and its residential area (location 2). 12 plants available commonly in both locations were selected for the present research. Methods: pH, ascorbic acid, total chlorophyll, relative water content, carotenoid, air pollution tolerance index was performed by using standard methods. Results: The air pollution tolerance index was high for Syzygium cumini in location 1 and Ficus benghalensis in location 2. Pigment and ascorbic acid content observed was less in both the locations studied. Moderate relative water content was noticed. Conclusion: All plants studied in both the locations were found to be sensitive to pollution which ranges from 02.29 to 12. 53. No species studied were found tolerant to pollution. Hence, it is essential to protect the plants. The variation might be due to the reflection of alterated biochemical parameters.