Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2025[Dec]; ? (?): ? PMID41359113show ga
The air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and the anticipated performance index (API) are crucial indices for selecting plant species suitable for green belt development in polluted areas. The APTI of plants is related to changes in the total chlorophyll (TC), total ascorbic acid (TAC), relative water content (RWC) and pH of leaf extract (PLE) due to the dust accumulation (DA) on the leaves. In addition, the API of a plant includes its APTI value along with morphological characteristics and economic value that provide an assessment of a plant's suitability for plantation in polluted areas. This research aims to find pollution-tolerant tree species using the APTI and API as tool indices. In polluted areas, TAC increases with increasing DA on the leaves, but TC, PLE and RWC did not show a definite increasing trend. Based on APTI and API scores, Ficus benghalensis is classified as an excellent performer, Ficus religiosa, Mangifera indica and Syzygium cumini are considered very good performers and Eucalyptus globulus is rated as a good performer in response to DA. Accordingly, these plant species could be recommended for plantation in and around urban cities in tropical areas to support the development of urban forests and green belts, thereby contributing to the mitigation of air pollution.
Environ+Sci+Pollut+Res+Int 2025 ; ? (?): ?
