EFFECT OF AIR POLLUTANTS ON CHLOROPHYLL AND AIR POLLUTION TOLERANCE INDEX (APTI) OF CERTAIN PLANTS IN HYDERABAD CITY

Abstract

Air pollution is defined as any item introduced into the air as a result of human activity that has a detrimental effect on human health, vegetation, or impairs the utilization of natural resources. The following investigations were carried out in all the fourteeen plants Acacia nilotica, Azadirachta indica, Calotrophis procera., Cassia auriculata, Delonix regia.Hook., Dalbergia sissoo., Ficus benghalensis, Ficus carica, Hibiscus rosasinensis, Lantana camara. L., peltophorum ferrugineum, Benth, Polyalthia longifolia, Pongamia pinnata.L and Syzgium cumini. For photosynthetic study chlorophyll pigments (Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll) were studied and biochemical changes in leaves (Starch, phenols, and sugars- total, reducing and non-reducing) were studied. Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI), PH, Relative Moisture Content, Ascorbic Acid Content, Determination of the antioxidant enzymes like CAT, POD, PPO and air quality parameters like NOX, SO2, PM10, TSPM were studied. Meteorological data of AT, RH, BP, SR, VWS, WS, WD were studied.