Air Pollution Tolerance Index Research Articles

Identification of urban street trees for green belt development for optimizing pollution mitigation in Delhi, India.

The current study evaluated the effects of air pollution on selected street trees in the National Capital Territory during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons to identify the optimally suitable tree for green belt development in Delhi. The identification was performed by measuring the air pollution tolerance index (APTI), anticipated performance index (API), dust-capturing capacity (DCC) and proline content on the trees. The APTI of street trees of Delhi varied significantly among different tree species (F11,88.91 = 47.18, p < 0.05), experimental sites (F3,12.52 = 6.65, p < 0.001) and between seasons (F1,31.12 = 16.51, p < 0.001), emphasizing the relationships between trees and other types of variables such as the climate and level of pollution, among other factors. This variability emphasizes the need to choose trees to use for urban greening in the improvement of air quality in different environments within cities. Ascorbic acid (AA) concentration and relative water content (RWC) had a strong influence on APTI with an extremely significant moderate positive correlation between AA concentration and APTI (r = 0.65, p < 0.001) along with RWC and APTI (r = 0.52, p < 0.001), indicating that higher levels of AA concentration and RWC are linked to increased air pollution tolerance. The PCA bi-plot indicates AA has poor positive loading coefficients with PC1 explaining 29.49% of the total variance in the dataset. The highest APTI was recorded in Azadirachta indica (22.01), Leucaena leucocephala (20.65), Morus alba (20.62), Ficus religiosa (20.61) and Ficus benghalensis (19.61), irrespective of sites and seasons. Similarly, based on API grading, F. religiosa and F. benghalensis were identified as excellent API grade 6 (81-90%), A. indica and Alstonia scholaris as very good API grade 5 (71-80%), M. alba, Pongamia pinnata and Monoon longifolium as good API grade 4 (61-70%) and Plumeria alba as moderate API grade 3 (51-60%) in different streets of Delhi. As these plants are indigenous to the region and hold significant socio-economic and aesthetic significance in Indian societies, they are advisable for avenue plantations as part of various government initiatives to support environmental sustainability.

Air pollution mitigation and suspended particulate matter retention potential of selected plant species across seasonal variation in the urban area.

Air pollution is a pressing environmental concern in urban areas, especially in densely populated cities like Delhi, India. However, plant species can effectively capture airborne suspended pollutants. Given this, the present study aimed to investigate the seasonal variations (pre- and post-monsoon) in the pollution-mitigating potential, biochemical characteristics, and suspended particulate matter (SPM) capturing capacities of select plant species in Delhi. Also, using biochemical parameters, plant morphology, and socioeconomic factors, the study computed tolerance indices such as the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) and Anticipated Performance Index (API). Ficus religiosa L. exhibited the highest APTI value of 11.94, while Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.) Thwaites displayed the lowest 7.99 APTI value during the pre-monsoon. Ficus benghalensis L. showed the maximum SPM adhesion on the leaves, with a deposition of 1305.46µg/cm2, whereas F. religiosa exhibited the lowest SPM deposition of 56.62µg/cm2. Moreover, the statistical analysis indicated a positive correlation between ascorbic acid and chlorophyll content (R2 > 0.6) with APTI. Also, F. religiosa demonstrated a significant Pearson's correlation (P < 0.05) between chlorophyll content and SPM deposition during the pre-monsoon. The study highlighted the dynamic nature of plant-based air pollution mitigation. It offered valuable insights into the potential of green infrastructure as a sustainable solution for addressing air quality concerns in urban environments. The results emphasized the significance of selecting adequate plant species and considering seasonal variations in developing urban greening strategies to combat air pollution.

Evaluation of air pollution tolerance index of urban roadside young leaf and the correlation with its capturing capacity for water-insoluble fine particulate matters

Evaluation of air pollution tolerance index of urban roadside young leaf and the correlation with its capturing capacity for water-insoluble fine particulate matters

Use of Leaves as Bio-Indicator to Assess Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) And Elemental Concentration of Heavy Metals at Katsina Central Market Grinding Area, Katsina State-Nigeria

Use of Leaves as Bio-Indicator to Assess Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) And Elemental Concentration of Heavy Metals at Katsina Central Market Grinding Area, Katsina State-Nigeria

Assessing the Air Pollution Tolerance Index of Urban Plantation: A Case Study Conducted along High-Traffic Roadways

Road transport and traffic congestion significantly contribute to dust pollution, which negatively impacts the growth of roadside plants in urban areas. This study aims to quantify the air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and analyze the impacts of dust deposition on different plant species and trees planted along a busy urban roadside in Lahore, Pakistan by considering seasonal variations. The APTI of each species is determined based on inputs of various biochemical parameters (leaf extract pH, ascorbic acid content, relative water content, and total chlorophyll levels), including dust deposition. In this study, laboratory analysis techniques are employed to assess these factors in selected plant species such as Mangifera indica, Saraca asoca, Cassia fistula, and Syzygium cumini. A statistical analysis is conducted to understand the pairwise correlation between various parameters and the APTI at significant and non-significant levels. Additionally, uncertainties in the inputs and APTI are addressed through a probabilistic analysis using the Monte Carlo simulation method. This study unveils seasonal variations in key parameters among selected plant species. Almost all biochemical parameters exhibit higher averages during the rainy season, followed by the summer and winter. Conversely, dust deposition on plants follows an inverse trend, with values ranging from 0.19 to 4.8 g/cm2, peaking during winter, notably in Mangifera indica. APTI values, ranging from 9.39 to 14.75, indicate varying sensitivity levels across species, from sensitive (Syzygium cumini) to intermediate tolerance (Mangifera indica). Interestingly, plants display increased tolerance during regular traffic hours, reflecting a 0.9 to 5% difference between the APTI at peak and regular traffic hours. Moreover, a significant negative correlation (−0.86 at p &lt; 0.05 level) between APTI values and dust deposition suggests a heightened sensitivity to pollutants during the winter. These insights into the relationship between dust pollution and plant susceptibility will help decision makers in the selection of resilient plants for urban areas and improve air quality.

Investigation of a Perspective Urban Tree Species, Ginkgo biloba L., by Scientific Analysis of Historical Old Specimens.

In this study, we examined over 200-year-old Ginkgo biloba L. specimens under different environmental conditions. The overall aim was to explore which factors influence their vitality and general fitness in urban environments and thus their ability to tolerate stressful habitats. In order to determine this, we used a number of different methods, including histological examinations (stomatal density and size) and physiological measurements (peroxidase enzyme activity), as well as assessing the air pollution tolerance index (APTI). The investigation of the genetic relationships between individuals was performed using flow cytometry and miRNA marker methods. The genetic tests revealed that all individuals are diploid, whereas the lus-miR168 and lus-miR408 markers indicated a kinship relation between them. These results show that the effect of different habitat characteristics can be detected through morphological and physiological responses, thus indicating relatively higher stress values for all studied individuals. A significant correlation can be found between the level of adaptability and the relatedness of the examined individuals. These results suggest that Ginkgo biloba L. is well adapted to an environment with increased stress factors and therefore suitable for use in urban areas.

Assessing the relationship between the biochemical and the morphological factors (leaf surface area and leaf surface texture) of industrial and roadside plants.

The study of biochemical parameters provides an idea of the resistance of plants against air pollutants. Biochemical and Physiological parameters are studied with the help of Air pollution tolerance index (APTI). Fifteen plant species were evaluated to assess biochemical and APTI from two polluted sites (Phagwara Industrial area and Phagwara Bus stand area). The values of APTI were found to be highest for Mangifera indica (19.6), Ficus religiosa (19.3), and Ficus benghalensis (15.8) in the industrial area. On the roadside, Mangifera indica (16.8), Ficus benghalensis (16.5), and Ficus religiosa (16.4). Mangifera indica, Ficus religiosa, and Ficus benghalensis were found to be excellent performers in reducing pollution at both the sampling sites as per the APTI values. The order of tolerance was Mangifera indica > Ficus religiosa > Ficus benghalensis > Polyalthia longifolia > Mentha piperita in both the polluted sites. Morphological changes were observed in the plants, suggesting the possibility of pollution stress, which is probably responsible for the changes in biochemical parameters. As a result, the relationship between morphological and biochemical parameters of selected plant species growing in roadside and industrial areas was explored. The findings revealed that relative water content showed a significant positive and negative correlation with leaf surface texture and leaf surface area. On the other hand, ascorbic acid showed a significant positive correlation with them. In conclusion, it has been studied that morphological parameters including biochemical parameters can be proved to be important in investigating the ability of plants to cope with air pollution and in calculating tolerance index.

Detect urban trees air pollution sensitivity & tolerance by leaf trait analysis in the industrial zone of Kumaun Himalaya Uttarakhand India

The plant absorbs gases and particulate matter through its leaves and contributes to cleaning the atmospheric pollutants. Sensitive plant species act as bioindicators of air pollution, while tolerant species are sinks of air pollutants. However, in ecologically sensitive regions like the Himalayas, there are no guiding rules for the selection of roadside plants for urban development due to a lack of scientific research. To address this, this study aimed to identify roadside plant species sensitivity and tolerance to air pollution near the industrial hub Rudrapur located in Kumaun Himalaya using the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI). The APTI is used as a tool for evaluating and categorizing plants according to their levels of tolerance or sensitivity to air pollutants. In this study, the APTI of five plant species has been measured. A One-Way ANOVA was conducted to assess variations in biochemical parameters of five chosen roadside plant species situated at two distinct sites. Mangifera indica and Nerium species were recorded with high APTI values, indicating their tolerance to air pollution. However, the Eucalyptus species was identified as the most sensitive species with low APTI. Selecting suitable tree species to combat air pollution can improve the urban environment.

Evaluation of the effects of dust pollution on specific plant species near and around the marble mining site in Rajasthan, India.

Airborne particles (dust pollution) pose a significant threat to both human and plant populations. Plant leaves act as crucial biofilters, capturing significant amounts of air pollution; this characteristic offers a valuable tool to measure local pollution levels and assess individual plant species' ability to intercept and mitigate harmful dust particles. The present study was carried out to asses the effect of responses of various plant species to dust pollution near and around the marble mining site comprising residential site, highway area, and Central University of Rajasthan as control. The anticipated pollution index, air pollution tolerance index (APTI), dust absorption capacity, metal accumulation index (MAI), and biochemical factors were used to evaluate plant responses. Azadirachta indica A. Juss. demonstrated the highest (29.0) and Vachellia nilotica L. showed lowest (5.6) APTI, respectively. A. indica showed maximum MAI values in comparison to other plant species situated at residential site. Additionally, monitoring of particulate matter (PM10) observed to highest at highway, followed by mining, residential, and control sites. Overall A. indica representing highest APTI and effective dust capturing capacity at all sites could serve as potential pollution sinks. V. nilotica, with its very low APTI, can be marked as biomonitoring tool for detecting dust pollution.

Air Pollution Tolerance of Several Species of Trees in the Petrochemical Industry Area Using Air Polution Tollerance Index (APTI) Method

The petrochemical industry is fertilizer industry factories whose production can have an impact on air quality. The industrial area has decreased environmental quality caused by air pollution. Air pollution comes from factory activities as well as motor vehicle fumes and forest burning. The decline in air quality is characterized by the accumulation of pollutant particles in the air. Spesies tree planting in the Petrochemical industry area aims to reduce air pollution. Trees that are able to withstand air pollution stress conditions are categorized as tolerant species. This study aims to determine the tolerance to air pollution by analyzing the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI). Determination of the sampling is done by convinience sampling method with several sample criteria. The results showed that the APTI value of Filicium decipiens Wieght &amp; Arn. (Fern Leaf Tree) was 5.08, Swietenia macrophylla King (Baywood) 5.62 and Mimusops elengi L. (Spanish Cherry) 5.93. This study shows that in the Petrochemical industry area, F. decipiens is categorized as a sensitive species, while S. macrophylla and M. elengi are categorized as moderately tolerant to air pollution based on tolerance category in Thakar and Mishra (2010).

Impact of automobile exhaust on biochemical and genomorphic characteristics of Mimusops elengi L. growing along roadsides of Lahore city, Pakistan

Automobile exhaust releases different types of pollutants that are at great risk to the air quality of the environment and incidental distress to the nature of roadside plants. Mimusops elengi L. is an evergreen medicinal tree cultivated along the roadside of Lahore City. This research aimed to investigate physiological, morphological and genomorphic characteristics of M. elengi under the influence of air pollution from vehicles. Healthy and mature leaves were collected from trees on Canal Bank and Mall roads of Lahore as the experimental sites and control sites were 20 km away from the experimental site. Different physiochemical, morphological, air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and molecular analysis for the detection of DNA damage were performed through comet assay. The results demonstrated the mean accumulated Cd, Pb, Cu and Ni heavy metal contents on the leaves were higher than the control plants (1.27, 3.22, 1.32 and 1.46 μg mg−1). APTI of trees was 9.04. Trees in these roads significantly (p < 0.01) had a lower leaf area, petiole length and leaf dry matter content in comparison to control site. Increased comet tail showed that DNA damage was higher for roadside trees than trees in the control area. For tolerance of air pollution, it necessary to check the APTI value for the M. elengi at the polluted road side of Lahore city. For long-term screening, the source and type of pollutants and consistent monitoring of various responses given by the trees should be known.

Greenery planning for urban air pollution control based on biomonitoring potential: Explicit emphasis on foliar accumulation of particulate matter (PM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

In this study, efficiencies of eight indigenous plants of Baishnabghata Patuli Township (BPT), southeast Kolkata, India, were explored as green barrier species and potentials of plant leaves were exploited for biomonitoring of particulate matter (PM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The present work focused on studying PM capturing abilities (539.32−2766.27 μg cm−2) of plants (T. divaricata, N. oleander and B. acuminata being the most efficient species in retaining PM) along with the estimation of foliar contents of PM adhered to leaf surfaces (total sPM (large + coarse): 526.59−2731.76 μg cm−2) and embedded within waxes (total wPM (large + coarse): 8.73−34.51 μg cm−2). SEM imaging used to analyse leaf surfaces affirmed the presence of innate corrugated microstructures as main drivers for particle capture. Accumulation capacities of PAHs of vehicular origin (total index, TI > 4) were compared among the species based on measured concentrations (159.92−393.01 μg g−1) which indicated T. divaricata, P. alba and N. cadamba as highest PAHs accumulators. Specific leaf area (SLA) of plants (71.01−376.79 cm2 g−1), a measure of canopy−atmosphere interface, had great relevance in PAHs diffusion. Relative contribution (>90%) of 4–6 ring PAHs to total carcinogenic equivalent and potential as well as 5−6 ring PAHs to total mutagenic equivalent and potential had also been viewed with respect to benzo[a]pyrene. In−depth analysis of foliar traits and adoption of plant−based ranking strategies (air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and anticipated performance index (API)) provided a rationale for green belting. Each of the naturally selected plant species showed evidences of adaptations during abiotic stress to maximize survival and filtering effects for reductive elimination of ambient PM and PAHs, allowing holistic management of green spaces.

Morphological and biochemical changes in Quercus humboldtii in response to warmer and polluted urban areas in a tropical Andean city

Abstract The rapid growth of urban population has significantly changed human settlement patterns, leading to a decline in air quality and changes in climatic conditions in urban areas. Trees are recognized as nature-based solutions because they can remove particles from the air and regulate the climate. However, trees are negatively affected by pollution and temperatures, which represent a challenge for urban planning, management, and human health. To assess the impact of urban pollution and warmer climates on functional traits, we conducted a study using Quercus humboldtii, an endangered tree species endemic to Colombia and Panamá that dominates Andean forests and urban green areas in Bogotá. We selected three localities with contrasting pollution levels and climate conditions and measured 10 morphological and biochemical traits in six individuals at each location. Our findings revealed that Q. humboldtii adjusted morphological and biochemical traits in response to the environmental challenges posed by urban environments. The functional strategies varied between individuals with thin and large leaves and acidic pH in the colder and unpolluted native forest, while others displayed a conservative resource strategy (high leaf dry matter content) and neutral pH in the warmer and most polluted locality. Despite these differences, several traits indicate that Q. humboldtii is not a species tolerant to pollution. This is further supported by the air pollution tolerance index (APTI) values. Our results suggest that Q. humboldtii should be planted in areas of Bogotá with low pollution levels in order to promote its long-term survival and support ecosystem services.

Selection of tropical trees and shrubs for urban greening in coal mine complex: a case study of Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh.

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the effectiveness of roadside trees for removing dust and the effects of dust load on the physiology and micromorphology of the foliage. The present study was conducted near an open coal mining complex situated in Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh, India, to assess the air pollution tolerance index (APTI), anticipated performance index (API), dust capturing capacity (DCC), and leaf morphology of trees and shrubs growing around the coal fields. Results showed that Azadirachta indica, Mangifera indica, Ficus religiosa, Ailanthus excelsa, and Ficus benghalensis were the most tolerant species towards air pollution (high APTI scores), while plants like Calotropis gigantea, Lantana camara, and Tectona grandis were proven to be bio-indicator species. Butea monosperma, Ficus benghalensis, Alstonia scholaris, and Terminalia arjuna were plant species with the highest DCC. Two-way ANOVA showed significant differences site-wise and season-wise in the biochemical parameters of APTI and a considerable difference site-wise with respect to dust capturing capacity. Correlation and regression analyses revealed a very high positive correlation between APTI and ascorbic acid value. The study recommends suitable plant species to manage rising air pollution in the coal mine and nearby areas apart from suggesting the development of a green belt.

Evaluation of tree species using Air Pollution Tolerance Index for urban landscaping in Delhi

Air pollution which negatively impacts both human health and the environment is a mountainous challenge before policymakers and city planners in urban areas. Urban landscaping with effective pollution-combating tree species is one of the soundest strategies to mitigate pollution adversaries. However, not all tree species are equally suitable for urban environments due to varying levels of tolerance to air pollution. This study has been designed to evaluate the physiological and biochemical responses of seven commonly occurring tree species in the Talkatora garden (TG) and Income Tax Office (ITO) representing non-polluted and polluted locations in Delhi, respectively applying Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI). The current research study was carried out during 2021–22 at the Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. In tree species understudy, it was recorded that the pH of leaf extract, total chlorophyll, and relative water content was lower in the winter season than summer season except for the ascorbic acid. Ficus religiosa with the highest APTI value (23.23) followed by Pongamia pinnata (20.85) were found most tolerant tree species to air pollution in Delhi during the winter season at the polluted (ITO) and non-polluted (TG) location respectively with a reverse trend for the summer season. Polyalthia longifolia was found most sensitive (bioindicator plant) to air pollution among the seven trees under study owing to the lowest APTI values (11.14 and 12.58) across the seasons at non-polluted (TG) and polluted (ITO) locations respectively. Furthermore, Ficus religiosa with the highest APTI across the locations and seasons was assessed as the best performer, hence, could be the most efficient option for landscaping in polluted and non-polluted areas.

Assessment of Plants Sensitivity to Air Pollution using Physiological and Biochemical Parameters

Plants act as a main green belt enhancement component. Green plants create a surface that may absorb air pollutants and act as a sink for them, making greenbelts an efficient method of controlling air pollution. Thus attention is needed to promote and develop green belt zones in polluted areas. The current study is focused on evaluating the air pollution tolerance levels of Mangifera indica, Ficus religiosa, Psidium guajava, Annona squamosa already grown in polluted and unpolluted sites. By taking into account biochemical markers such as total chlorophyll level, ascorbic acid level, pH, water content, the Air pollution tolerance index (APTI) was calculated. APTI is an empirical relationship that assesses the degree to which different plant species can tolerate air pollution .Plants that possess APTI value less than or equal to 11 are known as sensitive, between 12 and 16 are moderately tolerant and greater than 17 are tolerant. The results obtained from the study showed that M. indica is more tolerant in nature. The rest of the plants used in the study are found to be intermittently tolerant. From this study, it can be concluded that planting Mangifera indica, Psidium guajava ,Annona squamosa, Ficus religosa in urban areas can reduce air pollution. This study also concludes that use of the APTI evaluation for the identification of air pollution tolerant plants is a suitable method.

Evaluation of air quality through various bioparameters near Valankulam lake, Coimbatore

Road and bridge construction close to lakes generates a lot of dust, which pollutes the air in that area. This is about the negative effects of vegetation activities. Some have the tolerance capacity, while others do not, leading to adverse effects. The study focuses on the air pollution tolerance index (APTI) of trees near Valankulam Lake in Coimbatore. Physiological and biochemical factors were employed to determine the APTI. The leaves of 19 trees were collected for the study and tested for ascorbic acid, total chlorophyll concentration, leaf pH, and relative water content. Albizzia lebbeck was found to have the highest tolerance value (88.81), followed by Ficus religiosa, Bougainvillaea spectabilis, Nerium oleander, Ricinus communis, Thevetia peruviana, Azadirachta indica and Tamarindus indica. Tectona grandis (8.01) is the most vulnerable to pollution, followed by Pongamia pinnata, Vitex negundo and Tecoma stans. According to the findings, the tolerant species can serve as a source, while the sensitive plants serve as a signal of pollution.

Assessment of air pollution tolerance index and anticipated performance index of roadside plants used for greenbelt development in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

The study emphasizes the significance of evaluating performance index of plants in urban vegetation. The performance of some common roadside plants like Ficus benjamina, Buddleja asiatica, Jacaranda mimosifolia, Cinnamomum camphora, and Callistemon viminalis were assessed for air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and anticipated performance index (API). The study was conducted in polluted site (Balkhu-Koteshwor road section) and control site (Godawari Botanical Garden) in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. The APTI values are 7.71–11.86 in the control site and 8.83–12.54 in the polluted site. Based on APTI, Ficus benjamina, Cinnamomum camphora and Jacaranda mimosifolia are intermediate tolerant, whereas Buddleja asiatica and Callistemon viminalis are sensitive to air pollution. The API values for Jacaranda mimosifolia and Cinnamomum camphora are better, indicating that they are good performers in terms of air pollution tolerance. In contrast, Buddleja asiatica is evaluated as poor performer among the selected plant species. Tolerant plant species hold the potential to serve as effective vegetative traffic barriers and contribute to urban green belts. Conversely, sensitive plants can be utilized as bio-indicators of air quality.

Roadside Automobile Stressed Plants as Bioindicator Based on Air Pollution Tolerance Index in Dhaka, Bangladesh

The evaluation of plants' ability to resist pollution was conducted by studying two distinct plant species, Swietenia mahagonia and Polyalthia longifolia, obtained near the urban roadsides in Dhaka during the winter season. The air pollution tolerance index (APTI) was assessed for both Polyalthia longifolia and Swietenia mahagoni. Between the two species, Polyalthia longifolia exhibited the highest air pollution tolerance index (APTI 12.54), indicating its lower sensitivity towards pollution. On the other hand, Swietenia mahagoni (APTI 12.27) demonstrated a comparatively higher sensitivity to pollutants. Polyalthia longifolia had the highest total chlorophyll concentration (TCC) (1.080 mg/g), relative water content (RWC) (88.50%), pH value (6.73), ascorbic acid concentration (ACC) (4.303). On the other hand, Swietenia mahagoni showed the lowest scores across almost all the indicators (except ACC: 5.44), demonstrating the most pollutant-sensitive species. The assessment of plants in relation to their capacity to withstand air pollution is crucial due to their role as a pollution sink. Consequently, planting species that exhibit tolerance to pollution in contaminated regions can provide several environmental advantages. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2023, 9(2): 1-10

Assessment of air pollution tolerance potential of selected dicot tree species for urban forestry.

Air pollution is one of the killers of our age especially for the urban areas. Urban forestry which involves planting more trees has been considered as one of the prominent strategies to mitigate air pollution. Identification of trees tolerant to air pollution is important for plantation drives being organized across the country. The present study aimed to compare the air pollution tolerance potential of 46 tree species growing in Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) campus, Amritsar, using two indices, viz., Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) and Anticipated Performance Index (API). APTI is based on four biochemical parameters, viz., relative water content, leaf extract pH, total chlorophyll, and ascorbic acid contents of leaf samples, whereas API takes into consideration morphological and socioeconomic values of plant species along with their APTI. Based on APTI values calculated for 46 tree species, only 2 tree species, viz., Psidium guajava (46.26) and Cassia fistula (41.83), were found to be tolerant to air pollution, while 25 species showed intermediate tolerance. API scores revealed one tree species, namely, P. guajava, as an excellent performer, 8 species as very good performers, and 28 species as moderate to good performers against air pollution. In conclusion, tree species like Alstonia scholaris, C. fistula, Ficus tsjakela, Grevillea robusta, Kigelia africana, Mangifera indica, Melia azedarach, P. guajava, Pongamia pinnata, Pterospermum acerifolium, Putranjiva roxburghii, Syzygium cumini, Terminalia arjuna, and Toona ciliata can be considered as most desirable for plantations in areas around GNDU campus.