Air Pollution Load Research Articles

The relationship between birch pollen, air pollution and weather types and their effect on antihistamine purchase in two Swedish cities

Exposure to elevated air pollution levels can aggravate pollen allergy symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between airborne birch (Betula) pollen, urban air pollutants NO2, O3 and PM10 and their effects on antihistamine demand in Gothenburg and Malmö, Sweden, 2006–2012. Further, the influence of large-scale weather pattern on pollen-/pollution-related risk, using Lamb weather types (LWTs), was analysed. Daily LWTs were obtained by comparing the atmospheric pressure over a 16-point grid system over southern Sweden (scale ~3000 km). They include two non-directional types, cyclonic (C) and anticyclonic (A) and eight directional types depending on the wind direction (N, NE, E…). Birch pollen levels were exceptionally high under LWTs E and SE in both cities. Furthermore, LWTs with dry and moderately calm meteorological character (A, NE, E, SE) were associated with strongly elevated air pollution (NO2 and PM10) in Gothenburg. For most weather situations in both cities, simultaneously high birch pollen together with high air pollution had larger over-the-counter (OTC) sales of antihistamines than situations with high birch pollen alone. LWTs NE, E, SE and S had the highest OTC sales in both cities. In Gothenburg, the city with a higher load of both birch pollen and air pollution, the higher OTC sales were especially obvious and indicate an increased effect on allergic symptoms from air pollution. Furthermore, Gothenburg LWTs A, NE, E and SE were associated with high pollen and air pollution levels and thus classified as high-risk weather types. In Malmö, corresponding high-risk LWTs were NE, E, SE and S. Furthermore, occurrence of high pollen and air pollutants as well as OTC sales correlated strongly with vapour pressure deficit and temperature in Gothenburg (much less so in Malmö). This provides evidence that the combination of meteorological properties associated with LWTs can explain high levels of birch pollen and air pollution. Our study shows that LWTs represent a useful tool for integrated daily air quality forecasting/warning.

Can fuzzy logic bring complex issues in risk based optimal ranking of hazardous plant sites into focus? A case study

Selection of sites for the installation of hazardous plants in general and thermal power plants in particular, has assumed significant importance due to excessive air pollution load. Coal-fired power based thermal plants which generate 41% of the world’s electricity are a major source of local pollution and health hazard. It is therefore, important to decide suitable sites for these plants with low risk levels based on formalised mathematical techniques. In this paper, realizing uncertainty in parametric data, authors used fuzzy logic based formalisms, wherein goal in combination with constraints is considered as fuzzy multi constraint optimization problem. The study concludes with identifying optimal ranking of nine thermal power plants in India with ‘low risk’ potential. The limitations of this study have also been outlined.

PREVALENCE OF STENOSING LARYNGOTRACHEITIS AMONG CHILDREN RESIDING ON STREETS WITH DIFFERENT TRAFFIC LOAD

Objective: to study concentrations of anthropogenic air pollutants on streets with different traffic load and prevalence of laryngotracheitis (LT) among children residing on those streets. Material and methods. We have analyzed the quality of free air on streets with different traffic density in Vinnytsya during 2000-2003. We have studied the concentrations of suspended matters with the content of silicon dioxide less than 20 %, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. We have analyzed the frequency of LT cases (1-3 episodes of the disease) and recurrent LT (4 or more episodes of the disease) among children under 14 residing on the streets with different traffic load. Results. The indices of the average and maximum concentrations of free air pollutants on the streets with high traffic density significantly exceeded those on the streets with low traffic density. The prevalence of LT and recurrent LT was significantly higher on the streets with high traffic load. We have found a connection between the prevalence of LT among children, traffic density and concentrations of free air pollutants. The connection between the prevalence of LT and the concentration of nitrogen dioxide has turned out to be the strongest. Conclusion. The prevalence of LT in children is related to traffic load and concentrations of anthropogenic free air pollutants.

Assessment and Forecasting of Automobile Air Pollution Load in Ahmedabad based on different methods

Assessment and Forecasting of Automobile Air Pollution Load in Ahmedabad based on different methods

Street Geometry Factors Influence Urban Microclimate in Tropical Coastal Cities: A Review

Abstract Urban climatologists have moved smoothly towards urban geometry meso-scales as obstruction between buildings, streets, and urban environment. Urban climatologists and designers have expressed that urban geometry parameters affect urban microclimate conditions. Improper functioning of the geometry factors, particularly air temperature and wind speed, can increase the harshness of climate change and Urban Heat Island (UHI) defects, which are more critical in coastal cities of tropical regions. In this regard, the current study aimed to identify the impact of each street geometry factor on urban microclimate through a critical literature review. The research determined a total of twenty seven (27) factors within three clusters; 1) geometry factors, 2) meteorological factors, and 3) streetscape factors. The content analysis calculated the Depth of Citation (DoC) which refers to the cumulative importance level of each factor. The content analysis resulted air temperature (Ta) (DoC = 18 out of 28) is the most important street geometry factor that should be extensively considered in urban microclimate studies in coastal cities. In contrast, the factors (such as air pollution and traffic load) have received a minimum Doc (1 out of 28). The research has also analyzed the importance level of clusters through an expert input study using Grounded Group Decision Making (GGDM) method. The results show that meteorological cluster (92 %), streetscape cluster (86 %), and geometry cluster (85 %) have to be respectively implemented in urban microclimate studies in coastal cities. The research states there are new approaches have not yet been touched by urban climatologist affecting urban microclimate; included; surface materials, sea-borne dust and sand, user’s satisfaction, user’s thermal adaptive behavior. These approaches can potentially exacerbate UHI effects in coastal cities, which need further research.

Assessment of Seasonal Variations of Average Traffic Pollution Levels in Curbside Open-Air Microenvironments in Kolkata, India

Background: Traffic is a source of both noise and air pollution, contributing more than 50% of the total environmental noise and air pollution load of urban areas. Objectives: The objective of the research was evaluation of seasonal variations of the average traffic pollution level (ATPL) in terms of traffic noise and concentrations of PM 2.5 and NO 2 in curbside open-air microenvironments in Kolkata, India. Materials and Methods: Number of total motorized vehicles (TMV) traffic noise, and PM 2.5 and NO 2 concentrations were monitored repeatedly in the microenvironments of 21 major roads between 08:00 a.m. and 08:00 p.m. in the post-monsoon (winter) and premonsoon (summer) seasons. Simultaneous data on air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed were collected from a roof-top automated weather monitoring station. The exceedance factor (EF) was calculated for traffic noise level and concentrations of PM 2.5 and NO 2 . The average exceedance factor (AEF) was calculated to determine ATPL of the microenvironments in terms of traffic noise level and air pollutant concentrations. Interseasonal variations between the same variables were assessed with post-monsoon to pre-monsoon (W/S) ratio and correlation analysis. Results: ATPL was 3.35 times higher in the post-monsoon and 1.83 times higher in the pre-monsoon season than the permissible limits prescribed by the central pollution control board of India with respect to traffic noise level and PM 2.5 and NO 2 concentrations. W/S ratio and interseasonal correlation were 1.03 and 0.95, respectively, for TMV; 1.00 and 0.68 for traffic noise level; 2.40 and -0.11 for PM 2.5 concentration; 1.74 and 0.19 for NO 2 concentration; and 1.92 and 0.01 for AEF. Conclusions: ATPL was higher in the post-monsoon season. W/S ratio and correlation analysis revealed interseasonal homogeneity of TMV and traffic noise levels and interseasonal heterogeneity of air pollutant concentrations and ATPL in the city microenvironments.

Impact Of Selected Post-Mining And Metallurgical Dumps On Air Pollution On Sites In The Czech Republic And Poland

Abstract The paper studies the possible influence of selected post-mining and air pollution on metallurgicaldumps at czech republic and polish sites on air pollution load in the region. The content of PAHs and heavy metals were determined in dust samples taken from surface dumps SZOTKÓWKA I “of KWK” JAS-MOS and ČSM. The obtained data were used for modeling pollution load around hald using models SYMOS’97. On the basis of the models was assessed the effect of hunger on both air pollution situation around in terms of PAHs, heavy metals and PM10.

Quantitative Assessment of the Emitted Criteria Pollutant in Delhi Urban Area

ABSTRACTThe compositions of the emitted criteria pollutant from the anthropogenic sources are investigated in the present study for Delhi urban area. The quantitative study of various types of the criteria pollutants, i.e., Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM) emitting from various sources is carried out. The primary emitting sources of these criteria pollutants are the vehicles, industries, power plants, domestic and dust sources. The estimated emissions depends a number of factors such as fuel consumption, technological developments, industrial activity and other activities that cause air pollutions. The analysis shows that CO, NOx and PM emissions are mainly contributed by vehicular sources. The results of the present study are found to be well compared to those reported in literature. The estimated emissions are also shown by spatial variations isopleths over 26 km × 30 km gridded area of Delhi. The concentrations of these pollutants are predicted by using the emissions and meteorological variables as the input in AERMOD, an USEPA’s dispersion model. Uncertainties in the emission estimates, measured as 95% confidence intervals, range from a low of ± 32% for NOx to a high of ± 235% for CO. Quantile-Quantile (Q-Q) plots and statistical performance have also been analyzed and it is observed that the predicted concentrations of CO, NOx and PM are in good agreement with respect to observed values. Further, in some locations the predicted concentrations are much higher than the permissible National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) levels. These locations are ITO junction, DCE, ISBT Kashmere Gate, Dhaula Kuan, Indraprashta and Badarpur. Thus, this study shows high air pollution load in Delhi and degrading the ambient air quality creates many environmental problems.

Occurrence of High Levels of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in Particulate Matter of the Ambient Air of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

There are no research reports on the presence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), in the ambient air of Saudi Arabia. POP emissions represent an environmental hazard negatively affecting public health and productivity. The complex interrelated sources and the heavy load of air pollutants are due to accelerated developmental activities and economic growth in Saudi Arabia over the past three decades. Such development included both agricultural and industrial progress. The consequences found in this study reveal that PAHs, pesticides and PCBs are present at elevated concentrations in the ambient air of Riyadh. The average concentrations of pesticides range from 2 to 8,216 ng/m3, indicating their heavy use around the city and possibly long-range transport. The average concentrations of PAHs range from 18 to 1,003 ng/m3 and of PCBs from < 1 to 20 ng/m3. Some of these POPs were originated locally, while others might be transported over long distances. These POP concentrations were noticeably high; therefore, Saudi Arabia should focus on reducing such emissions through concerted efforts at the national level.

Ethological Study of Flower Visiting Insects in Two Parks, Kolkata, India

Flower visiting insects attract by the flowers colour, shape, size and fragrance as pollinator. This is a mutual relationship between flowers and insects. The present study aims to know behavioural response or ethology of flower visiting insect in relation to particular flower and/or probable atmospheric changes in two managed parks, Kolkata, India. The study areas were selected as per heavily-populated neighborhoods, nearby office buildings, nearby roads and continuous vehicular movements, human interactions as visitors. The study was carried out at 2 sampling stations viz (i) Elliot park and (ii) Agri-Horticulture Society. The flower species were selected viz. Helianthus annuus (sunflower), Petunia sp. (petunia) and Buganvilia spectabilis (Buganvilia) planting above mentioned areas because these species are more common among other species. In each flower, behavioural response or ethology of visiting insects were studied by visual observation and total 10 flowers of each species were observed randomly. The present results clearly indicate that various insects were majorly showed foraging and feeding behaviour and only mating behaviour was found in two species. This study is a preliminary assessment of flower visiting insects’ ethology but further researches are needed in relation to pollination efficiencies of flower visiting insects in the particular flower and air pollution load nearby area by using instruments. It was concluded that insect visitors are showing foraging and feeding behavior but only two species were showed mating behaviour, which may be due to the vehicular air pollution because two parks are located nearby roads and continuous vehicular movements were observed.

PREVALENCE OF UROLITHIASIS IN CHILDREN OF PRIMORSKY KRAI TOWNS WITH DIFFERENT ANTHROPO-MAN-INDUCED LOAD

Influence of anthropo-man-induced load on Dysmetabolic Nephropathy (DMN) and Urolithiasis (U) prevalence in children of the Primorsky Krai has been studied. The study design included a sanitary, epidemiological and clinical stages. 513 children aged 3-14 years, born and residing in three towns of the Primorsky Krai with different degrees of anthropo-man-induced load stress have been examined (in Vladivostok, Dalnegorsk and Partizansk). The highest anthropo-man-induced water and air pollution load level was observed in Vladivostok. In the City of Dalnegorsk, water and air were less polluted, but the level of soil contamination (4.0 versus 1.0 and 2.0 in Vladivostok and Partizansk) was the highest one. DMN and U occurred significantly more frequently in Dalnegorsk than in Vladivostok and Partizansk (p &lt; 0.001). It has been proved that in the Primorsky Krai, the anthropo-man-induced factor was not a priority risk factor for DMN and U development. Use of the noninvasive and easily managed system "Litos-test" allowed to reliably detect these diseases in the examined children.

Indication of airborne pollution by birch and spruce in the vicinity of copper smelter.

The aim of the study was determination of air pollution impact of the copper smelter in Bor and its surroundings (Serbia) by assessing the suitability of birch (Betula pendula Roth.) and spruce (Picea abies L.) for the purposes of biomonitoring and comparing it with previously published data from the same study area. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb and Mn in leaves/needles, branches, roots and soil were determined. Sampling was performed during 2009 in two zones with high load of air pollution due to copper mining and smelting activities, and one background zone. Metal accumulation and translocation was evaluated in terms of biological factors. In addition, plant enrichment factor was calculated. According to the results, plant foliage was not enriched through soil, which indicates absorption from the air, with both species acting as excluders of Cu, Pb, Zn and Mn. Leaves were more enriched with all the metals than needles, indicating a better response of birch to airborne pollution than spruce. Cluster analysis showed different level of pollution at the sites, while correlations between Cu and Pb obtained by Principal Component Analysis indicated their anthropogenic origin. Regarding previously published results, beside birch leaves, pine needles (which showed higher level of response to pollution compared to linden leaves) could be applied in air biomonitoring surveys near copper smelters.

Ethological Study of Flower Visiting Insects in Two Parks, Kolkata, India

Flower visiting insects attract by the flowers colour, shape, size and fragrance as pollinator. This is a mutual relationship between flowers and insects. The present study aims to know behavioural response or ethology of flower visiting insect in relation to particular flower and/or probable atmospheric changes in two managed parks, Kolkata, India. The study areas were selected as per heavily-populated neighborhoods, nearby office buildings, nearby roads and continuous vehicular movements, human interactions as visitors. The study was carried out at 2 sampling stations viz (i) Elliot park and (ii) Agri-Horticulture Society. The flower species were selected viz. Helianthus annuus (sunflower), Petunia sp. (petunia) and Buganvilia spectabilis (Buganvilia) planting above mentioned areas because these species are more common among other species. In each flower, behavioural response or ethology of visiting insects were studied by visual observation and total 10 flowers of each species were observed randomly. The present results clearly indicate that various insects were majorly showed foraging and feeding behaviour and only mating behaviour was found in two species. This study is a preliminary assessment of flower visiting insects’ ethology but further researches are needed in relation to pollination efficiencies of flower visiting insects in the particular flower and air pollution load nearby area by using instruments. It was concluded that insect visitors are showing foraging and feeding behavior but only two species were showed mating behaviour, which may be due to the vehicular air pollution because two parks are located nearby roads and continuous vehicular movements were observed.

Assessment of Bird Diversity as Bioindicators in Two Parks, Kolkata, India

The trees of parks and gardens support many species, the survival of urban-dwelling species mainly bird species. Birds amongst other species provide a wide range of environmental and social functions to cities and urban dwellers. The present study aims to know bird diversity in two parks as bioindicator of automobile air pollution exposure, landscape changes and/or human interactions. The study areas were selected as per heavily-populated neighborhoods, nearby office buildings, nearby roads and continuous vehicular movements, human interactions as visitors, where high levels of human disturbance are common. The study was carried out at 2 sampling stations viz (i) Elliot park and (ii) Agri-horticulture Society. The bird species diversity was studied by qualitative and quantitative assessment. Indices were Species richness, Index of Dominance, Relative abundance, Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index and Evenness Index for birds for all selected sites were calculated using the statistical formulae. The present results as bioindicators bird species clearly indicate that the bird species are very few in numbers in both the parks. When comparison made between both the parks, it was observed less number of bird varieties (16 types) in Elliot park than varieties (9 types) more less in number in Agri-horticulture society. This study is a preliminary assessment of bird diversity but further researches are needed in relation to biochemical and genetic damage study as well as air pollution load by using instruments. In the present study it was concluded that the less numbers of birds and their different diversity indices were found a decreasing trends, though there no attempt has been made on physico-chemical properties of present air pollutants. The less number of varieties of bird species are as tolerant bioindicators, which may be due to the vehicular pollution and/or human interference and/or landscape changes due to nearby neighborhood blocks, office and residential buildings, continuous movement of vehicles etc

Assessment of Flower Visiting Insects Diversity as Pollinators in Two Parks, Kolkata, India

Insects are depends upon autotrophs and they attract by the flowers colour and shape as pollinator. This is a mutual relationship between flowers and insects. The present study aims to determine flower visiting insect diversity as pollinators in two parks as biomonitoring of automobile air pollution exposure, landscape changes and/or human interactions. The study areas were selected as per heavily-populated neighborhoods, nearby office buildings, nearby roads and continuous vehicular movements, human interactions as visitors, where fences and high levels of human disturbance are common. The study was carried out at 2 sampling stations viz (i) Elliot park and (ii) Agri-Horticulture Society. The flower species were selected viz. Helianthus annuus, Petunia sp. and Buganvilia spectabilis planting above mentioned areas because these species are more common among other species. In each flower, diversity of visiting insects were studied by qualitative and quantitative assessment. Indices were Species richness, Index of Dominance, Relative abundance, Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index and Evenness Index for insects for all selected sites were calculated using the statistical formulae. The present results clearly indicate that the flower visiting insects are very less in numbers on three flowering species and index values were decreased. This study is a preliminary assessment of flower visiting insects diversity but further researches are needed in relation to pollination efficiencies of flower visiting insects and biochemical and genetic damage study of flowers as well as air pollution load by using instruments. It was concluded that three flowering species viz. sunflower, petunia and bougainvillea are very common both the parks but insect visitors are common but present less in number, which may be due to the vehicular pollution and/or human interference and/or landscape changes due to nearby neighborhood blocks, office and residential buildings etc.

Assessment of Bird Diversity as Bioindicators in Two Parks, Kolkata, India

The trees of parks and gardens support many species, the survival of urban-dwelling species mainly bird species. Birds amongst other species provide a wide range of environmental and social functions to cities and urban dwellers. The present study aims to know bird diversity in two parks as bioindicator of automobile air pollution exposure, landscape changes and/or human interactions. The study areas were selected as per heavily-populated neighborhoods, nearby office buildings, nearby roads and continuous vehicular movements, human interactions as visitors, where high levels of human disturbance are common. The study was carried out at 2 sampling stations viz (i) Elliot park and (ii) Agri-horticulture Society. The bird species diversity was studied by qualitative and quantitative assessment. Indices were Species richness, Index of Dominance, Relative abundance, Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index and Evenness Index for birds for all selected sites were calculated using the statistical formulae. The present results as bioindicators bird species clearly indicate that the bird species are very few in numbers in both the parks. When comparison made between both the parks, it was observed less number of bird varieties (16 types) in Elliot park than varieties (9 types) more less in number in Agri-horticulture society. This study is a preliminary assessment of bird diversity but further researches are needed in relation to biochemical and genetic damage study as well as air pollution load by using instruments. In the present study it was concluded that the less numbers of birds and their different diversity indices were found a decreasing trends, though there no attempt has been made on physico-chemical properties of present air pollutants. The less number of varieties of bird species are as tolerant bioindicators, which may be due to the vehicular pollution and/or human interference and/or landscape changes due to nearby neighborhood blocks, office and residential buildings, continuous movement of vehicles etc

Assessment of Flower Visiting Insects Diversity as Pollinators in Two Parks, Kolkata, India

Insects are depends upon autotrophs and they attract by the flowers colour and shape as pollinator. This is a mutual relationship between flowers and insects. The present study aims to determine flower visiting insect diversity as pollinators in two parks as biomonitoring of automobile air pollution exposure, landscape changes and/or human interactions. The study areas were selected as per heavily-populated neighborhoods, nearby office buildings, nearby roads and continuous vehicular movements, human interactions as visitors, where fences and high levels of human disturbance are common. The study was carried out at 2 sampling stations viz (i) Elliot park and (ii) Agri-Horticulture Society. The flower species were selected viz. Helianthus annuus, Petunia sp. and Buganvilia spectabilis planting above mentioned areas because these species are more common among other species. In each flower, diversity of visiting insects were studied by qualitative and quantitative assessment. Indices were Species richness, Index of Dominance, Relative abundance, Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index and Evenness Index for insects for all selected sites were calculated using the statistical formulae. The present results clearly indicate that the flower visiting insects are very less in numbers on three flowering species and index values were decreased. This study is a preliminary assessment of flower visiting insects diversity but further researches are needed in relation to pollination efficiencies of flower visiting insects and biochemical and genetic damage study of flowers as well as air pollution load by using instruments. It was concluded that three flowering species viz. sunflower, petunia and bougainvillea are very common both the parks but insect visitors are common but present less in number, which may be due to the vehicular pollution and/or human interference and/or landscape changes due to nearby neighborhood blocks, office and residential buildings etc.

Association between source-specific particulate matter air pollution and hs-CRP: local traffic and industrial emissions.

Background: Long-term exposures to particulate matter air pollution (PM2.5 and PM10) and high traffic load have been associated with markers of systemic inflammation. Epidemiological investigations have focused primarily on total PM, which represents a mixture of pollutants originating from different sources.Objective: We investigated associations between source-specific PM and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease.Methods: We used data from the first (2000–2003) and second examination (2006–2008) of the Heinz Nixdorf Recall study, a prospective population-based German cohort of initially 4,814 participants (45–75 years of age). We estimated residential long-term exposure to local traffic- and industry-specific fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at participants’ residences using a chemistry transport model. We used a linear mixed model with a random participant intercept to estimate associations of source-specific PM and natural log-transformed hs-CRP, controlling for age, sex, education, body mass index, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking variables, physical activity, season, humidity, and city (8,204 total observations).Results: A 1-μg/m3 increase in total PM2.5 was associated with a 4.53% increase in hs-CRP concentration (95% CI: 2.76, 6.33%). hs-CRP was 17.89% (95% CI: 7.66, 29.09%) and 7.96% (95% CI: 3.45, 12.67%) higher in association with 1-μg/m3 increases in traffic- and industry-specific PM2.5, respectively. Results for PM10 were similar.Conclusions: Long-term exposure to local traffic-specific PM (PM2.5, PM10) was more strongly associated with systemic inflammation than total PM. Associations of local industry-specific PM were slightly stronger but not significantly different from associations with total PM.Citation: Hennig F, Fuks K, Moebus S, Weinmayr G, Memmesheimer M, Jakobs H, Bröcker-Preuss M, Führer-Sakel D, Möhlenkamp S, Erbel R, Jöckel KH, Hoffmann B, Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study Investigative Group. 2014. Association between source-specific particulate matter air pollution and hs-CRP: local traffic and industrial emissions. Environ Health Perspect 122:703–710; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1307081

Assessment of Morphological Damages of Leaves of Selected Plant Species due to Vehicular Air Pollution, Kolkata, India

The present study deals to know morphological damages of leaves of four selected plant species near roadside due to vehicular air pollution in Kolkata, India. The selected plant species are Ficus bengalensis, Ficus religiosa, Alstonia scholaris and Neolamarckia cadamba as these are very common as avenue trees. The study area was selected as per Low vehicular load (LVL) as control area, moderate vehicular load (MVL) area, high vehicular load (HVL) area and heavy vehicular load (HeVL) These three sampling stations were selected on the basis of moderate, high and heavy traffic density and continuous vehicular movement as per visualization. The control area was considered as time dependent vehicular movement due to less traffic density. The morphological damages with special reference to length (L), breadth (B) and L/B ratio and visible injuries in leaves. The visible injuries such as pigmentation, chlorosis, necrosis and burning of leaves of four selected species is documented. There was an increasing and decreasing tends in all four plant species at all three vehicular emission exposed sites (MVL, HVL and HeVL) compared to control site (LVL). In all experimental sites such as MVL, HVL and HeVL, the extra growth and reduction pattern significantly (P &lt; 0.001, 0.01 or 0.05) observed when compared to control site (LVL) for L, B and L/B ratio. The visible injuries (in %) of leaves were also observed in increasing trends. This study is a preliminary assessment of tolerant species that already have been used in greenbelt development to protect air pollutants as well as biological monitoring to know exact load of automobile air pollution but further researches are needed in relation to biochemical and genetic damage study. It was observed that out of four selected species Ficus bengalensis, Alstonia scholaris and Neolamarckia cadamba are more tolerant species and Ficus religiosa is a less tolerant species because of these may have fighting abilities by waxy coatings, accumulation and degradation abilities to vehicular air pollution at all exposed area when compared to control area.

Assessment of Morphological Damages of Leaves of Selected Plant Species due to Vehicular Air Pollution, Kolkata, India

The present study deals to know morphological damages of leaves of four selected plant species near roadside due to vehicular air pollution in Kolkata, India. The selected plant species are Ficus bengalensis, Ficus religiosa, Alstonia scholaris and Neolamarckia cadamba as these are very common as avenue trees. The study area was selected as per Low vehicular load (LVL) as control area, moderate vehicular load (MVL) area, high vehicular load (HVL) area and heavy vehicular load (HeVL) These three sampling stations were selected on the basis of moderate, high and heavy traffic density and continuous vehicular movement as per visualization. The control area was considered as time dependent vehicular movement due to less traffic density. The morphological damages with special reference to length (L), breadth (B) and L/B ratio and visible injuries in leaves. The visible injuries such as pigmentation, chlorosis, necrosis and burning of leaves of four selected species is documented. There was an increasing and decreasing tends in all four plant species at all three vehicular emission exposed sites (MVL, HVL and HeVL) compared to control site (LVL). In all experimental sites such as MVL, HVL and HeVL, the extra growth and reduction pattern significantly (P &lt; 0.001, 0.01 or 0.05) observed when compared to control site (LVL) for L, B and L/B ratio. The visible injuries (in %) of leaves were also observed in increasing trends. This study is a preliminary assessment of tolerant species that already have been used in greenbelt development to protect air pollutants as well as biological monitoring to know exact load of automobile air pollution but further researches are needed in relation to biochemical and genetic damage study. It was observed that out of four selected species Ficus bengalensis, Alstonia scholaris and Neolamarckia cadamba are more tolerant species and Ficus religiosa is a less tolerant species because of these may have fighting abilities by waxy coatings, accumulation and degradation abilities to vehicular air pollution at all exposed area when compared to control area.