Air Pollution Tolerance Index Values Research Articles

TREES PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO AIR POLLUTION IN TAMAN MARGASATWA RAGUNAN AND UI DEPOK CAMPUS

Air pollution is a common environmental problem. Planting trees can minimize the adverse effects of air pollution. Plants can absorb and accumulate air pollutants through stomata. Biochemical changes in the leaves will appear as a physiological response of plants to air pollution that can be known by calculating the APTI (Air Pollution Tolerance Index) value. This study aimed to analyze the differences in physiological responses of five tree species in Taman Margasatwa Ragunan (TMR) South Jakarta and Universitas Indonesia (UI) Depok Campus as well as to find out the proper tree species planted in areas with high levels of air pollution. The leaves of five species (Hevea brasiliensis, Manilkara kauki, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Ficus septica, and Mangifera indica) were used to examine the effect of air pollution. Biochemical parameters (relative water content, leaf extract pH, total chlorophyll content, and ascorbic acid content) were observed from each species. The value of each parameter was calculated into the APTI equation. H. brasiliensis, F. septica, and M. indica were categorized as moderately tolerant plants, M. kauki were included as intermediate plants, and A. heterophyllus was a sensitive plant to air pollution in both locations. The highest APTI values were observed in M. indica in both locations. Thus, the recommended species planted in a polluted area was M. indica.

Urban dust pollution tolerance indices of selected plant species for development of urban greenery in Delhi.

The rise in urbanization has led to an increase in dust pollution which is hazardous to the health of living beings. The role of roadside plant species in intercepting particulate matter and improving air quality is well reported. Hence, this study was carried out to determine the ability of various plant species to intercept atmospheric dust and withstand the abiotic stress triggered by dust deposition. In the present investigation, three sites (viz., control, commercial, and industrial) differing in anthropogenic activities and vegetation were selected. Sixteen plant species entailing both trees and shrubs that are commonly occurring at all three sites were selected to estimate their dust interception capacity (DIC). The impact of dust pollution on foliage biochemistry and their tolerance in winter and summer seasons were analyzed. Based on biochemical, biological, and socio-economic parameters, air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and anticipated performance index (API) were evaluated. Both dust load and DIC were found to be two times higher in winter than in the summer season. Terminalia arjuna, Ficus benghalensis, and Plumeria alba were the best dust accumulators, while Prosopis juliflora accumulated least. The highest DIC was observed at the industrial site, for Terminalia arjuna (0.025mg/cm2/d) in winter and Plumeria alba (0.023mg/cm2/d) in the summer season. Photosynthetic pigments showed a negative correlation with dust load, while pH, ascorbic acid, electrolytic leakage (E.L.), and proline content showed a positive correlation. In the present study, APTI and API values were highest for Ficus religiosa, Ficus benghalensis, Alstonia scholaris, Dalbergia sissoo, and Terminalia arjuna. Such plant species with wide canopy, large and rough leaf surface area with perforated veins are found to be more suitable and, hence, recommended for the development of greenery to improve air quality in urban areas like Delhi.

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

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.

Evaluation of several plant species for the sustainability of green open spaces in three sectors

Abstract. Salsabila SH, Kurniadie D, Withaningsih S. 2022. Evaluation of several plant species for the sustainability of green open spaces in three sectors. Biodiversitas 23: 3861-3868. The climate change caused by air pollution could be overcome by creating green open spaces. Plants can absorb air pollution, provide shade, and be used as aesthetics and location boundary. Furthermore, plants' resistance to air pollution varies according to physiology and morphology. The objectives of this study were to assess the species diversity of vegetation and the tolerance index to air pollution of some plant species using the APTI (Air Pollution Tolerance Index) method in household, industry, and transportation areas in Eat Java. The observed plant species in the three sectors were the same. The result showed that the Shannon-Wiener diversity index value (H') was considered medium, and based on the APTI test, Pseuderanthemum reticulatum had the highest tolerance level with an APTI value of 27.59in the industrial sector (I0), 38.31 in the household sector (P1) and 31.73 in the transportation sector (T0). Meanwhile, Syzygium myrtifolium had the lowest tolerance level to air pollution with an APTI value of 12.64 in the industrial sector (I1), 11.59 in the household sector (P1) and 12.70 in the transportation sector (T0). This research provides information regarding the environmental conditions of the ecosystem in green open spaces in the industrial, household and transportation sectors and gives recommendations on the sustainable management of green open spaces in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number 13 based on the tolerance level of plants.

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

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

Assessment of plant species suitability in green walls based on API, heavy metal accumulation, and particulate matter capture capacity.

One of the most pressing issues confronting the civilized and modern world is air pollution. Particulate matter (PM) is a well-known pollutant that contributes significantly to urban air pollution and has numerous short- and long-term adverse effects on human health. One method of reducing air pollution is to create green spaces, mainly green walls, as a short-term solution. The current study investigated the ability of nine plant species to reduce traffic-related PM using a green wall system installed along a busy road in Mashhad, Iran. The main aims were (1) estimate the tolerance level of plant species on green walls to air pollution using the air pollution tolerance index (APTI); (2) assess the PM capture on the leaves of green wall species using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, and accumulation of heavy metals using inductively coupled plasma (ICP); (3) select the most tolerance species for reducing air pollution using anticipated performance index (API). The plants' APTI values ranged from 5 to 12. The highest APTI value was found in Carpobrotus edulis and Rosmarinus officinalis, while Kochia prostrata had the lowest. Among the APTI constituents, leaf water content (R2 = 0.29) and ascorbic acid (R2 = 0.33) had a positive effect on APTI. According to SEM analysis, many PMs were adsorbed on the adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces, as well as near the stomata of Lavandula angustifolia, C. edulis, Vinca minor, and Hylotelephium sp. Based on EDX analysis, carbon and oxygen formed the highest amount (more than 60%) of metals detected in the elemental composition of PM deposited on the leaves of all species. The Sedum reflexum had the highest Cr, Fe, Pb, and As accumulation. The concentrations of all heavy metals studied in green wall plants were higher than in the control sample. Furthermore, the C. edulis is the best plant for planting in industrial, urban areas of the city based on APTI, biological, economic, and social characteristics. It concludes that green walls composed primarily of plants with small leaves can significantly adsorb PM and accumulation of heavy metal.

Assessing the environmental impact of air pollution on crops by monitoring air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and anticipated performance index (API).

Air pollutants adversely affect the physiological, biochemical parameters, and productivity of the crops, but scarce and meager reports are available to know the certain impact of air pollution on crops. The aim of the present study was to assess environmental impact of air pollutants on biochemical parameters of the crops by monitoring two important indicators, i.e., Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) and Anticipated Performance Index (API). These two indicators provide the sensitivity and the tolerance level of the crops towards the air pollutants. Seven different crops were selected in four different locations in the vicinity of a thermal power plant. The results depicted the maximum aerial particulate matter deposition on crop canopy (ADCC) in barley (Hordeum vulgare 2.15mg/cm2) and wheat (Triticum aestivum 2.21mg/cm2). The maximum APTI value was found in berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum, 9.45 and 11.44) during the first and second year of study, respectively. Results indicated that all crops were sensitive to air pollution in the selected area, but berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) was less sensitive in comparison to other crops. API value showed that wheat (Triticum aestivum) and rice (Oryza sativa) were best-suited crops in the selected study area as compared to other crops. It has been found in the study that the API and APTI are two important indicators for the selection of crops in the severe air polluting area.

Evaluation of the Air Pollution Tolerance Index of 12 Plant Species Growing in Environments with Different Air Pollution Levels

Background and objective Particulate matter (PM) is the most dangerous form of air pollution, and causes many diseases. Plants act as bio-filters to help reduce PM in the atmosphere. PM also influences the growth of plants, so selecting suitable plant species for specific environmental conditions is very important. The air pollution tolerance index (APTI) was used to determine the tolerance level of each plant species to air pollution. The purpose of this study was to determine the tolerance to air pollution of various plant species in order to identify plant species that can be grown in polluted environments; this was achieved by evaluating the APTI of plants. This study analyzed the biochemical parameters of 12 plant species at two sites with different air pollution levels (urban forest and roadside) to assess and compare the APTI of plant species. Methods The healthy leaves of 12 plant species (6 broad leaves and 6 needle leaves) that are commonly used in landscapes in Korea were chosen for this study. The same plant species were collected from two sites with different pollution levels and were analyzed immediately; one site was an urban forest (Chungcheongbuk-do Forest Environment Research Institute) with an area of 25 ha and featuring high vegetation coverage, while the other was at a high-traffic roadside next to a crossroads near the Cheongju Express Bus Terminal. We used the leaf samples to analyze four biochemical parameters of each plant: leaf extract pH (pH), relative leaf water content (RWC), total chlorophyll (TChl), and ascorbic acid. Finally, based on these values, APTI values were calculated. Results The APTI values were different between all 12 plant species at both sites with different levels of pollution. APTI had a significant correlation with the biochemical parameters of plants. Plants in the urban forest and at the roadside showed APTI values ranging from 6.89–9.37 and 7.57–9.94, respectively. The APTI of the roadside plant species tended to be higher than that of the plants from the urban forest. Among 12 plant species, Acer palmatum, Acer buergerianum, and Pinus densiflora had high APTI values. These plant species can serve as biofilters in environments with high air pollution. Conclusion The APTI of the 12 plant species in this study can aid in the selection of suitable plant species from environments with different levels of air pollution. The high APTI of some roadside plant species may show their tolerance under environmental pollution-related stress, or demonstrate their adaptability to the polluted environment. In the future, we need to examine more plant species under various environmental conditions to understand their tolerance levels to air pollution and to correlate plants with air pollution. Further, more studies on other air pollutants that can influence plant growth, such as SO2 and NOx, should be conducted.

Air pollution tolerance indices of selected plants around Ulaanbaatar city, Mongolia

This study examined the air pollution tolerance index (APTI) of six plant species (two trees and four herbs) from Ulaanbaatar city (polluted site) and unpolluted area (control site). APTI values for Orostachys spinosa (L.) C. A. Mey., Larix sibirica Ldb., Picea obovate Ldb., Plantago depressa Willd., Chenopodium album L., and Taraxacum officinale Wigg. from unpolluted region were 9.35, 8.44, 9.29, 8.72, 7.98, and 8.13 and for plants from polluted region were 9.58, 9.5, 9.41, 9.33, 8.66 and 8.35 respectively. These results show that in cases where APTI increases from the control site to the polluted site, the species tolerance to pollution stress improves. However, all six species studied here had APTI values of less than 16 in both locations, which classifies them as pollution sensitive plants, although they differed from each other by the percentage of increase in APTI between sites. The result showed an order of tolerance with P. obovata (1.85%) > O. spinosa (2.58%) ³ T. officinale (2.58%) > P. depressa (7.01%) > C. album (8.59%) > L. sibirica (12.89%). Therefore, such species as L. sibirica, P. depressa, C. album are more sensitive compared with other species, and we can use them as bioindicators of air pollution stress. P. obovata, O. spinosa, T. officinale are relatively more tolerant compared with other species.

AIR POLLUTION TOLERANCE INDEX OF WHEAT AND RICE IN THE PROXIMITY OF GAS BASED POWER PLANT

The study aimed to identify the tolerance level of rice and wheat due to air pollutants around the gas-based power plant. Ten sites were selected around 10km radius of gas based power plant. Major air pollutants like NOx, SOx, ozone, and PM10 were monitored in ten sites during the growth of rice and wheat. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of villages falls mostly in the category of moderately polluted sites. Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) is a tool applied for categorizing sensitive or tolerant plants towards air pollution and is calculated by using four biochemical parameters like total chlorophyll content, ascorbic acid, pH, and relative water content of rice and wheat. Results indicated that the pH of cell sap of both the crops was acidic to neutral pH (3.5-6.9) at polluted sites while neutral to slightly alkaline (7.0-7.9) at less polluted sites. Ascorbic acid content was high at polluted sites since ascorbic acid shows a defense mechanism against air pollution. Chlorophyll content (up to 0.61mg/g) and relative water content have shown a significant decrease at most polluted sites. As per APTI values (APTI<11), both the crops were sensitive to air pollution in the selected area. APTI might be beneficial in the selection of crop species in the polluted area which shows that a higher concentration of air pollutants can damage crops severely. APTI was found to be positively correlated with pH, total chlorophyll content, and relative water content and negatively correlated with ascorbic acid.

Usefulness of Tree Species as Urban Health Indicators.

We used the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI), the amount of PM5 and PM10, and the elemental analysis of leaves to explore the sensitivity of tree species to air pollution. We assessed the tolerance of Robinia pseudoacacia, Acer saccharinum, Tilia × europaea, Acer platanoides, Fraxinus excelsior, Betula pendula, Celtis occidentalis, and Platanus × acerifolia to the amount of dust, APTI, and the elemental concentration of leaves. Leaves were collected in Debrecen (Hungary), which has a high intensity of vehicular traffic. The highest amount of PM (both PM10 and PM5) was found on the leaves of A. saccharinum and B. pendula. Our results demonstrated that A. saccharinum was moderately tolerant, while P. acerifolia was intermediate, based on the APTI value. There was a significant difference in the parameters of APTI and the elemental concentration of leaves among species. We found that tree leaves are reliable bioindicators of air pollution in urban areas. Based on the value of APTI, A. saccharinum and P. acerifolia, and based on PM, A. saccharinum and B. pendula are recommended as pollutant-accumulator species, while other studied species with lower APTI values are useful bioindicators of air pollution. The results support landscape engineers and urban developers in finding the best tree species that are tolerant to pollution and in using those as proxies of urban environmental health.

Air pollution tolerance, anticipated performance, and metal accumulation capacity of common plant species for green belt development.

Green vegetation enrichment is a cost-effective technique for reducing atmospheric pollution. Fifteen common tropical plant species were assessed for identifying their air pollution tolerance, anticipated performance, and metal accumulation capacity at Jharia Coalfield and Reference (JCF) site using Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI), Anticipated Performance Index (API), and Metal Accumulation Index (MAI). Metal accumulation efficiencies were observed to be highest for Ficus benghalensis L. (12.67mg/kg) and Ficus religiosa L. (10.71 mg/kg). The values of APTI were found to be highest at JCF for F. benghalensis (APTI: 25.21 ± 0.95), F. religiosa (APTI: 23.02 ± 0.21), Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. (APTI: 18.50 ± 0.43), Mangifera indica L. (APTI: 16.88 ± 0.65), Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (APTI: 15.87 ± 0.21), and Moringa oleifera Lam. (APTI: 16.32 ± 0.66). F. benghalensis and F. religiosa were found to be excellent performers to mitigate air pollution at JCF as per their API score. Values of MAI, APTI, and API were observed to be lowest at reference sites for all the studied plant species due to absence of any air polluting sources. The findings revealed that air pollution played a significant impact in influencing the biochemical and physiological parameters of plants in a contaminated coal mining area. The species with the maximum MAI and APTI values might be employed in developing a green belt to minimize the levels of pollutants into the atmosphere.

Variation in Brant's oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) leaf traits in response to pollution from a gas refinery in semiarid forests of western Iran.

Air pollution around refineries and factories is one of the major environmental challenges affecting forest ecosystems' health. Although there have been many studies on Iran's forest ecosystems, the physiological and morphological responses of Brant's oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) leaves to the pollution of the gas refineries in the semiarid forests have not received much attention. We sampled healthy and mature leaves from four oak stands in different seasons (spring, summer, and autumn of 2019) and at various distances from the gas refinery (1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 2,500, and 10,000 m). The results showed that oak trees in different seasons and at different distances from the refinery had different physiological and morphological leaf trait responses to the pollution source. Oak trees with an air pollution tolerance index value of less than 11 were in a sensitive range to air pollution and can be used to biomonitor air pollution around the gas refinery in Zagros forests. Physiological traits in different seasons and at various distances in comparison with morphological traits (persistent reaction responses) were well distinguished from one another and were more affected by pollution. Oak trees in summer and autumn and at distances up to 2,500 m had rapid reaction responses, including oxidative stress indicators such as electrolyte leakage (EL), hydrogen peroxide, and different enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants such as phenol, flavonoids, catalase, and proline. Because of their high sensitivity to atmospheric pollutant stresses, we recommend that these traits be used for rapid and low-cost environmental monitoring of pollution in different seasons and distances from pollution sources in semiarid ecosystems.

Assessment of Air Pollution Tolerance and Particulate Matter Accumulation of 11 Woody Plant Species

High concentration of particulate matter (PM) threatens public health and the environment. Increasing traffic in the city is one of the main factors for increased PM in the air. Urban green spaces play an important role in reducing PM. In this study, the leaf surface and in-wax PM (sPM and wPM) accumulation were compared for 11 plant species widely used for landscaping in South Korea. In addition, biochemical characteristics of leaves (ascorbic acid chlorophyll content, leaf pH, and relative water content) were analyzed to determine air pollution tolerance. Plant species suitable for air quality improvement were selected based on their air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and anticipated performance index (API). Results showed a significant difference according to the accumulation of sPM and wPM and the plant species. PM accumulation and APTI showed a positive correlation. Pinus strobus showed the highest PM accumulation and APTI values, while Cercis chinensis showed the lowest. In 11 plants, API was divided into five groups. Pinus densiflora was classified as the best group, while Cornus officinalis and Ligustrum obtusifolium were classified as not recommended.

Evaluation of air pollution tolerance index (APTI) of plants growing alongside inner ring road of Kathmandu, Nepal

ABSTRACT The air quality of the Kathmandu valley is highly degraded by pollution from motor vehicles. Planting green vegetation along roadsides has been shown to reduce air pollutants. Different leaf parameters like pH, relative water content, chlorophyll content, and ascorbic acid content, that comprise the Air pollution tolerance index (APTI), were used to test the susceptibility of plants to air pollution. APTI values of ≤11, 12–16, and ≥17 categorised the plant species under sensitive, moderate, and tolerant species, respectively. In the present study, all the plant species had APTI less than 11. The highest APTI value was for Mangifera indica (10.62) and the lowest for Buddleia asiatica (6.92). Therefore, based on the findings of the present study, planting trees with high APTI value alongside the roads may help reduce air pollution as these trees are resistant to high pollution levels.

Comparative study of roadside avenue trees as bio-indicators of air pollution in and around Mumbai, India: A case study

With rapid increase in urbanization followed by industrialization compounded due to ever-exploding population in the past few decades there is a steep rise in contamination of one of the most vital abiotic factors of the environment i.e., the air. In these circumstances, the clean and green measures to monitor and control air pollution have become inevitable. Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) is one such index for indicating the extent of the plants to withstand air pollution. This includes analysis of physiological and biochemical parameters like total chlorophyll content, ascorbic acid content, pH of the leaf extract and relative water content of the leaves. In this study, the plants selected are mature tree species like Polyalthia longifolia, Putranjiva roxburghii, Alstonia scholaris, Delonix regia and Peltophorum pterocarpum from Mumbai and its surrounding regions. According to the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) values, plants can be classified as tolerant, intermediate, sensitive and highly sensitive. The tolerance of the plants studied in the decreasing order is as follows P. roxburghii > P. pterocarpum > D. regia > P. longifolia > A. scholaris. Species selected on the basis of their APTI values can then be used as bio-indicators of air pollution and in its mitigation for green belt development in urban areas.

Some roadside medicinal weeds as bio-indicator of air pollution in Kolkata

Air pollution is a significant matter of concern in today’s world. The current study objective is to determine the air pollution tolerance index (APTI) of Kolkata from five roadside medicinal plants, namely, Heliotropium indicum, Tridax procumbens, Cleome rutidosperma, Commelina benghalensis, and Euphorbia hirta. APTI was determined by fresh leaves extracts using four important plants physiological parameters such as relative water content, ascorbic acid (AA) content, total chlorophyll (Chl) content, and pH of leaf extracts. Three sites or areas were selected for the study in Kolkata. It includes a control area (Jadavpur), a moderately polluted area (Salt Lake, Sec V), and highly polluted area (Dunlop Bridge) based on the West Bengal State Pollution Control Board databases and previous study reports. For estimating Chl and AA content spectrophotometer and titration method were used, respectively. A higher APTI value was found in plants located at the control area and moderately polluted area. However, the lower amount of APTI value was found in plants located in the polluted area. The study concludes that air pollution has a severe impact on plant and human health. The plant species with high APTI value can be planted around industrial complexes, roadsides, and urbanized sites to monitor air pollution in greener and cost-effective way.

Analysis of Biochemical Parameters and APTI of Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Sajina (Moringa oleifera) Plants during Monsoon and Winter Seasons in Purulia Town, WB, India

A survey was undertaken to evaluate the biochemical parameters like chlorophyll, carbohydrate, ascorbic acid, APTI of Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Sajina (Moringa oleifera) plants and sample leaves were collected during two different seasons like monsoon of 2019 and winter of 2020, from ten different sites of Purulia town like Nistarini College premises, Deshbandhu Road near Raghabpur more, Station para (near Maheswari lodge), Railway station and surrounding areas, Bus stand to Taxi stand, Gopal More, Zilla School More, Bhatbandh, Goshala More, Bongabari. All of these areas are either in the vicinity of heavily vehicle burdened roads or railway station. Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Sajina (Moringa oleifera) plants were selected as these plants are very commonly found in this area. Carbohydrate in Neem leaves were significantly higher during monsoon at all sites excluding Station Para, Gopal More and Bhatbandh where no significant differences were noticed. Carbohydrate levels were reduced during winter in Nistarini College Premises, Railway Station, Bus Stand to Taxi Stand, Bhatbandh and Goshala More but reverse results were observed during winter in leaves samples collected from Station Para and Zilla School More. Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) indicates the tolerance capacity of plants species to air pollution and can be calculated to categorize sensitive, intermediate and tolerant species. Lowest and highest APTI value for Neem leaves during monsoon were recorded from Gopal More (13.88) and Goshala More (17.84) respectively while during winter season lowest APTI value of same species was observed in Deshbandhu Road (5.96) but highest value was experienced from Zilla School More (20.56). In case of Sajina leaves, during monsoon, maximum APTI was noticed in Nistarini College premises (15.97) and minimum value was recorded from Goshala More (12.72). In winter season lowest APTI was noticed in Bus stand to Taxi stand area (10.12) and highest value was from Station para near Maheswari Lodge (16.59).

Evaluating Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) of Two Plant Species from Industrial Area of Jodhpur

Jodhpur is the second largest district in the state of Rajasthan. With growth in the population numbers of vehicles along with industries have increased which is affecting the air quality of Jodhpur. Plants have a very close relationship with nature and they act as sink for reducing air pollution. Impact of air pollution on two plants namely <i>Tabernaemontana</i> and <i>Sesbania</i> (vegetable humming bird tree) from heavy industrial area site (HI) Phase II were evaluated in terms of air pollution tolerance index (APTI) by analysing four biochemical parameters namely, total chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, relative water content (RWC), and pH using standard methods. Fresh and mature leaves were collected every month from August 2019 to March 2020 in morning hours between 8.00 AM and 9.00 AM and total number of vehicles (between 8.00 AM and 4.00 PM) were counted. Average APTI values for <i>Tabernaemontana</i> and <i>Sesbania</i> were found to be 7.13 and 5.90 respectively and hence both the plants fall in the sensitive category. APTI showed a positive correlation with pH, RWC, and ascorbic acid but negative correlation with total chlorophyll in <i>Tabernaemontana</i>, while in <i>Sesbania</i> APTI showed a positive correlation with, relative water content RWC, and total chlorophyll and negative correlation with ascorbic acid and pH. The ascorbic acid content was found to be maximum in both <i>Tabernaemontana</i> and <i>Sesbania</i> in October 2019 (2.0 and 1.66). Relative water content and ascorbic acid of both plants were minimum in November 2019 (RWC 41.79 and 36.81) and August 2019 (0.4487 and 0.2682) respectively.

Evaluation of Anticipated Performance Index of Plant Species for Green Belt Development to Mitigate Air Pollution

Anticipated Performance Index (API) is an innovative ecological approach in selecting plant species for reducing air pollution, using Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) and socio-economic parameters. The present study evaluated API of 11 plant species (6 trees and 5 shrubs) for the recommendation of green belt establishment near the national highway expansion region of the Kiratpur-Nerchowk expressway. The scrutiny of the results revealed that the tolerance capacity of plant species along with their performance grade is a justified approach for selecting the most suitable plant species, which can act as sink for air pollution. API on the other hand, can also help to distinguish the sensitive plant species, which can act as bio-monitors. The results showed that among all plant species Leucaena leucocephala and Toona ciliata (API=5) qualify as ‘very good’ performers in green belt development, while Dalbergia sisso (API=4) is a ‘good’ performer. Grewia optiva and Ficus palmata were judged as ‘moderate’ performers (API=3). Whereas, all other remaining investigated trees and shrubs having lesser API values can act as bio-indicators and particularly are very less recommended for green belt establishment. Hence, on the basis of amalgamation of APTI values together with other socio-economic and biological parameters, API significantly is considered as one of the best approaches identified and recommended for long-term refinement of air quality.