Detection of urban trees sensitivity to air pollution using physiological and biochemical leaf traits in Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The increased population in megacities has recently exacerbated the need to combat air pollution. This study examined the concept that the sensitivity and tolerance of urban plant species to air pollution might be used to determine Tehran, Iran's air quality and obtain suitable urban greening. The air pollution tolerance index (APTI) was derived using the total chlorophyll, relative water content, pH, and ascorbic acid content of leaf extract from Morus alba, Ailanthus altissima, and Salix babylonica trees as an indicator of the sensitivity and tolerance of urban plant species. A. altissima and S. babylonica, with APTI values of 11.15 and 11.08, respectively, were sensitive to air pollution and can be employed as bioindicators, whereas M. alba, with an APTI value of 14.08, exhibited moderate resistance to air pollution and is therefore recommended for urban planting. Furthermore, the content of enzymatic and non-enzymatic parameters (carotenoid, phenol, and flavonoids) and proline concentration in the polluted seasons and sites (3 and 4) have been increased in M. alba. Collectively, we expect our findings to contribute to the rapidly growing body of research aiming to find a suitable urban greening for a wide range of polluted megacities.