Assessment of tree species resistance to air pollution around a metal-scrap recycling factory using air pollution tolerance index and anticipated performance index

Abstract

Air pollution is one of the major global tribulations in many developing cities around the world. This study evaluates pollution resistances of Terminalia catappa, Anacardium occidentale and Tectona grandis growing around a metal scrap-recycling factory in Osun state, Nigeria using air pollution tolerance index and anticipated performance index with the view of recommending the species for greenbelt development in urban spaces. Biochemical parameters such as ascorbic acid, total chlorophyll, foliar extract pH and relative water content were analyzed in fresh leaves harvested from the tree species growing around the metal-scrap recycling factory (ES) and a relatively unpolluted control site (CS). Air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and anticipated performance index (API) were obtained from the results of biochemical variables. The results showed biochemical parameters (including ascorbic acid, total chlorophyll, foliar extract pH and relative water content) and APTI varied significantly (p A. occidentale (13.53) > T. grandis (13.17) with plants having a higher index at CS than at ES. All three-tree species had intermediate tolerance but T. catappa and A. occidentale were assessed as good performers while T. grandis performed moderately in polluted sites. The study recommended T. catappa and A. occidentale over T. grandis for use in developing greenbelts in urban centres especially in highly polluted areas, such as the vicinity of factories.