Assessment of Air Pollution Tolerance Indices (APTI) and Anticipated Performance Index (API) of roadside tree species of Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

The rapid increase in the number of cars in and around urban centers has led to an increase in vehicular pollution. Vehicular pollutants cause significant changes in the biochemical and physiological processes of roadside trees as they are constantly exposed to air pollutants. The aim of this study is to comparatively assess the effects of road side pollution on tree species in urban, sub urban and control sites of the Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh. Seven tree species (Alstonia scholaris, Butea monosperma, Cassia siamea, Dalbergia sissoo, Ficus religiosa, Mangifera indica, Peltophorum ferrugenium) have been selected for this study which were common to all sampling sites. APTI and API of tree species were estimated. The ascorbic acid content, leaf pH, total chlorophyll content and relative water content were used to calculate APTI, which is used to identify tolerant and sensitive plant species in various locations. On the basis of APTI and some biological and socioeconomic parameters of trees, the Anticipated Performance Index (API) of these trees was calculated. Among all the trees Mangiera indica taken under first rank and consider ‘best’ species. Ficus religiosa is categoried as an ‘excellent’ tree species. Dalbergia sissoo, Cassia siamia and Peltophorum ferrugenium were classified into the ‘good’ category in the urban area and recommended for the green belt development and road side plantation.