Impact of air pollution and leaf dust deposition on biochemical parameters and air pollution tolerance index (APTI) of some road side plants

Abstract

Plants growing in cities and near major roads absorb the pollutants and dust particles at their foliar surface. Biochemical parameters like leaf pH, relative water content, total chlorophyll content are used for analyzing impact of dust deposition on plant leaves and Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI). In the present study, leaf samples of different plant species like, Tamarindus indica Linn., Tectona grandis L.f, Vitex negundo L., Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) K. Schum., Tecoma stans(L) Juss. ex Kunth, Nerium oleander L., Ficus.sp L, Muntingia calabura L., Ricinus communis L., Erythrostemon gilliesii (Hook) Link & al. were taken from road sides which has a heavy load of vehicles. Changes in biochemical parameters of plants were evaluated and determined Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI). Results has comparatively high APTI values. So, these plants can be used for plantation on the road sides as pollution scavengers. Keywords: dust particles, plantation, pollution scavengers, air pollution tolerance index