EXPLORING PLANT DIVERSITY AND POLLUTION SENSITIVITY ACROSS DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Air pollution is a major environmental issue, with both human-made and natural resources contributing to its spread. While natural sources of air pollution pose minimal threats to ecosystems, human activities are increasingly exacerbating the problem. Emissions from vehicles, factories, and other industrial activities are significant contributors to the ongoing climate change. This study aimed to assess the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) to quantify the impact of air pollution. We conducted research at two sites: a relatively undisturbed Nature Park and a polluted location along National Highway No. 8 (Anand-Baroda). The APTI was determined by evaluating four key factors of plant health at each site. Plants were selected based on the Important Value Index (IVI) for the region, and the belt transect method was employed, with three transects sampled at each location. Both tree species and understory plants were included in the sampling. Ascorbic acid, a stress hormone, was tested in plants, as its levels correlate with changes in pH, relative weight, and chlorophyll content. The species studied included Achyranthus aspera, Azadirachta indica, Lunea, and Acacia nilotica. Findings from the three-month study revealed that Lunea exhibited the highest tolerance to air pollution among the tree species, followed by Acacia indica, while Azadirachta indica showed the highest overall tolerance to pollution.