Effect of air pollutants on growth, productivity and physiological behaviour of some tree species growing in Jaunpur City (U.P.) India.
Mishra K. N., Yadav K. N.
Author Affiliation: Department of Botany, T.D.P.G. College, Jaunpur - 222 002 (U.P.), India.
Plant Archives 7 : 889-891
Abstract : This study was conducted at different sites during February 2005 to March 2006 to assess the magnitude of gaseous emission coming out from automobiles and other sources in Jaunpur city, Uttar Pradesh, India. The exhausts from variety of automobiles were the main source of gaseous emissions seriously causing physiological disruption and damages to trees. Mango (Mangifera indica), bel (Angle marmelos), and teak (Tectona grandis) trees growing in different localities of Jaunpur city were tested. The suspended particulate matter (SPM), respiratory particulate matter (RPM), nitrogen oxides (N0x), sulfur dioxide (SO2) content in the atmosphere was determined using High Volume Air Sampler. The foliar deposition of particulate matter and infiltration of toxic gases seriously damaged plants which caused subtle effect and ultimately develop the acute symptoms. These may be chlorosis, necrosis, premature senescence, tip-burn and interveinal necrosis, reduction in leaf size with thinning of foliage and reduced dry weight. Significant reduction in stem perimeter, dry weight, carotenoids and ascorbic acid content was observed in leaves of the plants tested. The maximum reduction of 37.93% in stem perimeter was marked in Mangifera indica and minimum of 4.58% was in Aegle mormelos. The reduction in dry weight accumulation pattern in urban area confirmed that the deterioration occurred in plants due to infiltration of gaseous emissions in plants. The maximum reduction in weight was observed in Mangifera indica followed by Tectona grandis. With the exception of Aegle marmelos, significant reduction in chlorophyll content was observed in other tree species.