Variation in air pollution tolerance index and anticipated performance index of roadside plants in Mysore, India

Abstract

Plants develop characteristic reactions and symptoms in response to particular type and level of air pollution. Air pollution tolerance index has been used to rank plant species in their order of tolerance to air pollution. In the present study, the Air Pollution Tolerance Index of five roadside plant species (Enterolobium saman, Muntingia calabura, Peitophorum pterocarpum, Spathodea campanutata and Polyalthia longifolia) has been evaluated. The Anticipated Performance Index (API) of these plant species was also calculated by considering their APTI values together with biological parameters (Plant habit, Canopy structure, Type of plant, laminar structure and Economic value). Based on these indices, the most suitable plant species for green belt development in urban areas were identified and recommended for long-term air pollution management. Among the plants studied at different sites, Polyalthia longifolia was found to be a better tolerant species with an APTI value of 12.21 as compared to other species and Peitophorum pterocarpum appears to be less tolerant to air pollutants with an APTI value of 8.16.