Phytomonitoring in Industrial Areas

Abstract

Degradation of the environment has almost seemed the order of the day, ever since industrialization began. In developing countries, this problem is much more serious, where pollution control and environmental management as an integrated practice have taken root only in recent times. Landscaping, harvesting of local resources for construction of industrial structures, transportation of material and people, development of residential habitats, air and water pollution, and solid waste disposal keep taking place “in tandem” in the process of industrial development. Each of the steps from clearing of land, through construction, and to operation of industry has its own contribution to environmental degradation. Although this degradation is perceptible in the form of general barrenness and pollution of land, water, and air, this chapter focuses on the last one, i.e., air pollution. Assessment of air pollution with the help of plants is the main focus of this effort. It is envisaged that an understanding of the acuteness and distribution of pollutants in industrial areas is the key to planning a strategy for air pollution abatement in particular and environmental management of industrial areas in general. Early warning of industrial air pollution using indicator plants — phytomonitoring — combined with other efforts for environmental management, e.g., “Zoning Atlas for Siting of Industries,”1 “Guidelines for Development of Green Belts in Industrial Areas,”2 etc., would help in achieving environmental management effectively.