Journal of Environmental Biology

Evaluation of air pollution tolerance index of selected plant species

along roadsides in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

 

S. Jissy Jyothi* and D.S. Jaya

 

Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Kerala, Kariavattom P.O., Thiruvananthapuram - 695 581, India

(Received: February 04, 2009; Revised received: May 02, 2009; Accepted: May 22, 2009)

 

Abstract: To develop the usefulness of plants as bioindicators requires an appropriate selection of plant species which entail an utmost importance for a particular situation. In the present study a periodic evaluation of air pollution tolerance index [APTI] of selected tree species such as Polyalthia longifolia, (Sonner) Thw., Alstonia scholaris, R. Br., Mangifera indica, L., and shrubs Clerodendron infortunatum, L., Eupatorium odoratum, L., and Hyptis suaveolens, (L.) Poit., growing adjacent to the National Highway ? 47 passing through Thiruvananthapuram District which lies on the south-west coast of India, was carried out with a view to find out the air pollution tolerance as well as sensitivity of the plant species during different seasons. Among the trees in the roadside areas studied, Polyalthia longifolia, (Sonner) Thw., expressed highest APTI values and proved to be a tolerant variety and the others as sensitive species to air pollutants. In the case of shrubs, Clerodendron infortunatum, L., exhibited highest APTI values (7.34) and found to be more tolerant compared to the other two shrub species studied.

Key words: Chlorophyll, Ascorbic acid, Air pollution tolerance index, Biomonitors

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