Anticipated Performance and Air Pollution Tolerance Indices for the Establishment of Green Belt Development in an Industrial Area

Abstract

Background: To identify the plant species tolerance levels in an industrial area by assessing Anticipated Performance Index (API) and Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) to establish a green belt in the industrial area. Methods: A survey on local species was conducted in and around the study areas. Seventeen plant species were chosen for an evaluation of tolerant species based on their occurrence and dominance in the study areas. Standard methods were applied for estimation of biochemical parameters such as Cell Sap pH, Relative Water Content (RWC), Total Chlorophyll Content (TCC), and Ascorbic Acid (AA) and were used to compute the APTI. API is assessed based on socioeconomic and biological characteristics. Correlation coefficient test was performed to gain the information about relationship between variables. Findings: The results revealed that APTI positively correlated with biochemical parameters in control, negatively correlated with in industrial samples and except ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is one of the critical elements in biochemical parameters. It changes plant species sensitivity to tolerance. In API, based on social, biological, and physical characteristics (+, -) codes were used to classify poor, moderate, good, very good, best, and excellent. In the present study Ficus benghalensis as excellent (87.25%) in the control area and best (93.75%) in industrial area; Syzygium cumini species best (93.75%) in control and excellent (87.25%) in industrial areas. In comparison, Mimusops elengi reported moderate (56.25%) to the poor (50) in control and the industrial areas. Novelty: This study was carried out to determine the impact of air pollution on plant species which exhibit either sensitivity or tolerance depend on their endurance level. The identified list of the tree species helps to minimize air pollution levels in theindustrial area and can be used to establish green belt development. Keywords: Anticipated Performance Index (API); Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI); Tolerance; Green Belt; Biochemical Parameters