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Tree as Bio-Indicator of Automobile Pollution in Surat City: A Case Study

A. Patel Pratik, G. Limbachiya Nilesh, G. M. Malik and H. Raval Viral

With the fast growth in industrial projects along with vehicular growth in Surat city the level of pollution is also increasing. The study examined the air pollution tolerance indices (APTI) of plant species Gulmohar Plant (Delonix Regia) around residential area, commercial area, developing area and industrial area of Surat city. Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) is used by landscapers to select plant species tolerant to air pollution. Experimental data suggested that combining a variety of physiological parameters could give more reliable results. The results of control site (CS) were compared to that of experimental site (ES). Throughout the study period, some species exhibited APTI variation related to changes in air, temperature and water status of the plant. The results highlighted the need for APTI measurements to be conducted at regular time intervals to keep an eye on pollution. The results showed that the most tolerant tree species with respect to APTI is Neem tree. These plants can be considered as tolerant species in the industrial areas as well as where vehicle movement is high. The species whose APTI value is low are considered as sensitive species. Further studies on air pollution tolerance index with respect to areas of Surat city indicated that the air pollution was found different at different places on various sampling days.