Air pollution tolerance index of few plant species affected by auto exhaust pollution around Haridwar.
Abhishek Swami, Deepika Chauhan
Author Affiliation: Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, Gurukula Kangri University, Haridwar, India.
Environment Conservation Journal 8 : 9-11
Abstract : Present study was carried out to determine level of tolerance of air pollution by automobile exhaust of few tree species viz. Mango (Mangifera indica), Sagon (Tectona grandis), Sal (Shorea robusta) and Eucalyptus around Haridwar. On the basis of total chlorophyll content, ascorbic acid, pH, and relative moisture content, air pollution tolerance index value (APTI) of above tree species was determined. Highest value of air pollution tolerance index for polluted site was recorded for Sal (11.27) and lowest (7.19) value of APTI was recorded for Eucalyptus, whereas in control site, highest value (7.93) value of APTI was observed for Sagon (Tectona grandis) and lowest value (6.01) for Mango (Mangifera indica). Thus this study reveals that S. robusta is more suitable species to work as pollution sink and can be planted in areas, which are facing vehicular pollution.