Biochemical Parameters of selected Plants as Air Pollution Indicators

Air pollution is considered to be one of the major issues throughout the globe majorly in many developing cities like Hyderabad. Addressing this kind of pollution is more complicated than other ecological challenges. In present study is aimed at assessing the air pollution tolerant plant species from two different locations in Hyderabad city. The study was carried out by using commonly available eighteen selected plant species from polluted and control areas. Their Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) was determined by using biochemical parameters viz. pH, Ascorbic acid, Total Chlorophyll, and Relative Water Content (RWC) to calculate APTI by using the standard method. The present study reveals that the control site has more APTI than the polluted site. The lowest APTI was found in Hibiscus rosasinencis (5.24) whereas the highest APTI was found in Syzygium cumini (11.83). The minimum APTI reduction percentage compared to the control site was observed in Bougainvillea glabra (3.82%) and maximum in Pdilanthus tithimiloides (28.92%). Percentage of Reduction in APTI at polluted site showed that Pdilanthus tithimiloides (28.92%) > Casia fistula (28.75) > Pongamia pinneta (24.36%) > Senna auriculata (23.55%) > Lantana camara (23.15%) > Hibiscus rosasinencis (22.02%) > Tinospora cardifolia (17.00%) > Psidium guava (15.79%) > Mangifera indica 15.65%) > Albizia lebbeck (14.77%) > Catharanthus roseus (13.55%) >Azadirecta indica (13.00%) > Annona reticulata (12.47%) > Baliospermum solanifolium (6.71%) > Syzygium cumini (5.83%)  > Couroupita guianensis (5.52%) > Ficus religiosa (5.65%) >Bougainvillea glabra (3.82%) were more sensitive tree species. The tolerant tree species can be served as a sink, and sensitive tree species can act as an indicator for air pollution moderation. Thus, this study provides valuable insight for selecting tolerant plant species for future planning and greenbelt development in and around the industrial regions of Hyderabad city. For reducing air pollution and improving the health of humans and environment.