Air pollution tolerance index of selected plants from the industrial area of Rajkot

Abstract

Air pollution poses a significant threat to urban ecosystems, particularly in rapidly industrializing regions such as Rajkot, India. Plants serve as effective bioindicators and biomitigators of air pollution, and their tolerance can be quantified using the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI). Present study evaluates the APTI of selected plant species growing in the industrial area of Rajkot to assess their potential for urban greening and pollution mitigation. Physiological and biochemical parameters were measured to calculate the APTI values. The results revealed considerable variation in tolerance levels among the studied species, with Azadirachta indica, Cassia siamea, and Alstonia scholaris exhibiting high tolerance, making them suitable candidates for plantation in polluted zones. The findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate plant species for urban landscaping and ecological restoration in industrially impacted areas. This study contributes valuable data for sustainable urban planning and highlights the critical role of green belts in improving air quality.