EVALUATION OF AIR POLLUTION TOLERANCE INDEX AND ANTICIPATED PERFORMANCE INDEX OF TREES IN DTU CAMPUS

Abstract

In the present study, 23 tree and shrub species were collectively evaluated for air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and anticipated performance index (API) analysis which proves to be a practical approach for maintaining air quality and developing a sink for air pollution control. On the basis of APTI, tree species were classified as sensitive and tolerant with respect to air pollution. The results of the study show M. indica, Eucalyptus and F.benghalensis as best performers and more tolerant species with APTI values above 10.0 and API grade above 4, although lower relative water content (RWC). The species were observed to have high ascorbic acid content which helps in maintaining good chlorophyll levels. More than 75% of species had good RWC. On the other hand, C. indica, Thevetia peruviana and B. variegata were least scorers in analysis which can prove to be good for biomonitoring of air quality in the campus. It was observed that the trees with broad leaves and thick canopy had higher chlorophyll concentration compared to the trees with compound leaves and cone-type canopy. About 35% of the studied plants were classified as moderately tolerant to tolerant and rest as intermediately tolerant which may be a cause concern if the concentration of air pollutants rise. On an average the species studied are considered good for green belt development in and around the DTU campus area.