This document summarizes a seminar presentation on using ornamental plants to improve air quality in cities. It discusses the importance of air quality to human and plant health, sources and types of air pollution, effects of air pollution on people and plants, and criteria for selecting plant species well-suited for controlling urban air pollution. It provides examples of research assessing how urban trees and greenery remove air pollutants. The document concludes that strategic planting of indigenous, pollution-tolerant species can help clean the air and create healthier urban environments.

1. UNIVERSITY OF HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES,
BAGALKOT
SEMINAR-I YEAR: 2013-14
SEMINAR
ON
Respiring cities through ornamental plants
SUBMITTED BY
Rachappa K. Kore
UHS12PGM214
CLASS: Sr. M.Sc (Hort).
SEMISTER: I
DEPARTMENT OF FLORICULTURE & LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTURE
KITTUR RANI CHANNAMMA COLLEGE OF HORTICULTURE
ARABHAVI-591 218
COPY SUBMITTED TO: MAJOR ADVISOR/DEPARTMENT/LIBRARY/STUDENT

2. Topic division
1 Introduction
2 Importance of air to human beings
3 Types of pollutants and their meaning
4 Air pollution incidence episodes
5 Causes of air pollution on human health
6 Causes of air pollution on plants
7 Control measures for air pollution
8 Role of ornamental plants in controlling air pollution
9 Criteria for plant selection in urban areas
10 Conclusion

3. It is known fact that 60 % of air pollution in city is caused by automobiles only.
The effect of these pollutants is observed at acute level on sensitive species both plants
and animals. Plants are considers for investigation of effect of auto exhaust pollutants.
Response of plants towards air is being assessed by air pollution tolerance index. Acute
and chronic symptoms were observed to support the investigation regarding accumulation
of pollutants. Some plant species and varieties are so sensitive that they can be
conveniently employed as biological indicators or monitors of specific pollutants. They
can further assist planner in managing the urban cities. Though water and land pollution
is very dangerous, air pollution has its own peculiarities, due to its transboundary
dispersion of pollutants over the entire world. In any well planned urban set up, industrial
pollution takes a back seat and vehicular emissions take precedence as the major cause of
urban air pollution. Air pollution is one of the serious problems faced by the people
globally, especially in urban areas of developing countries like India. All these in turn
lead to an increase in the air pollution levels and have adverse effects on the health of
people and plants. Western countries have conducted several studies in this area, but there
are only a few studies in developing countries like India.
Human health is very closely linked to environmental quality, as the Etiology of
most of the human diseases being related to the status of the living environment of man.
According to statistics, 25% of all preventable illnesses are caused by detrimental
environmental factors [UNEP, United Nations Children’s Fund, WHO 2002]. In Africa,
the environmental influence on disease incidence is even higher, being about 35 %. Both
the developed and developing countries are faced with the problems related to
environmental pollution, caused by anthropogenic activities of man, disturbing the habitat
around. Smoky indoor air, polluted ambient air, poor sanitation and contaminated water
play a crucial role in causing ill health. Existing cities are expanding, new cities are being
created, and adjacent cities are merging. As transportation systems are increasing
everywhere.
Therefore, air pollution has become a growing problem in cities throughout the
globe, and transportation is recognized as the major source of air pollution in many cities.
In developing countries the air quality crisis in cities often attributes in large measures
(40–80%) to vehicular emission. Despite the improved performance of technology is
presently insufficient to counteract the growth of vehicles (Anon., 1980) and associated

4. pollution problems. Thus, it is necessary to evaluate the status of urban air pollution
continuously and to assess its impact on human health and plants. So that proper
mitigative measures can be implemented. (Sirajuddin.et.,al 2010)
Importance of air to human beings
In a day on an average a healthy man breaths nearly about 22,000 times a day inhaling 16
kg air by wt / 30 lb air, drink 3lb of water and consume 1.5 lb of food. Among these
three components air is gaining more importance so it is very essential to breathe fresh
and clean air. In developing countries nearly 10 -15 % of population are suffering from
common cold, bronchitis, asthma, hay fever etc. due to polluted air and spreading of air
borne diseases
Environmental pollution
Any undesirable change in the physical, chemical or biological characteristics of
air, water and soil that may create a hazard or potential hazard to the health, safety or
welfare of any living species is called pollution.
Environmental pollution is also defined as Direct or indirect changes in one or
more components of biosphere that are harmful to living entities, and particular
undesirable for man which adversely affect not only to him directly or through his water
and food supply but also his industrial progress and natural as well as control assets.
(Agarwal, 1999)
Air pollution
Substances present in the atmosphere in concentrations great enough to interfere
directly or indirectly with mans comfort, safety or health or with full use or enjoyment of
hisproperty (Alan, 1976).
Or it is also defined as any solid, liquid or gaseous substance present in the
atmosphere in such concentrations that may or tend to be injurious to human beings or
other living creatures or plants or property or enjoyment (Indian air act, 1981)

5. Pollutants
The substance which causes pollution are known as pollutants.
“Any chemical (radio nuclide, organo-phosphorus compound or trace gases) or
geo- chemical substance (dust, sediment, grit, etc.), biotic component or product (pollens
or product of microbial activity), or physical agent (heat, sound, etc.) that released
internationally or inadvertently by man into the environment in such concentration that
may have adverse, harmful or unpleasant and inconvenient effects” (Agarwal, 1999)
Types of Air Pollutants
Majorly two types of Air pollutions occurs in the atmosphere those are
1) Primary air pollution: Occurs in two ways 1).Naturally occurring events like
Smoke and Dust from volcanoes, Dust storms and Smoke from forest fire etc. and
2).Man made activities like Carbon monoxide from vehicles, smoke from power
plants etc.
2) Secondary air pollution: these are formed by the result of reaction of primary
pollutants in the atmosphere Ex: PAN (Phenyl acetyl Nitrite) etc.
Principle pollutants
 Gaseous pollutants –NO, NO2, SO2, H2S, CO2, CO, O3, Halogens, CFC
 Fluoride compounds
 Metals - Hg, Pb, Fe, Zn, Cd etc.

6.  Agricultural pollutants - Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers
 Complex organic pollutants- C6H6, CH3COOH etc.
 Biotic pollutants - Pollens
 Deposited matters- Soot, Smoke, Tar, Dust
Six common pollutants in the atmosphere
Carbon monoxide, Lead, Ground level Ozone, Sulfur dioxide, Nitrogen dioxide and
Particulate matter these are common pollutants which causes serious ill effects on both
flora and fauna of the ecosystem. (Agarwal,1999).
This pie chart is showing the different sourses of emissions of Air pollutants
among the different sourses Industry is emitting
almost half of the pollution load to the atmosphere
followed by transportation.
Some Air pollution incidence episodes
1).Meuse valleyincident(December,1930)
A severe thermal invasion with heavy fog,
contaminated with industrial pollutants
chiefly oxides of sulphur/various organic
acids and persisted for five days
As a result several people became ill 63
died as a result of respiratory problem

7. 2).Tokyo - Yokohama asthma (1946) A respiratory disease developed due to dense
industrialization resulting in air pollution which leads to Problems of running nose,
Cough and breathlessness
London smog (December, 1952) –
A thick fog contaminated with smoke from industry’s stacks layered over the city of
London, and persisted for few days resulting in 4000 death, traffic problem for three days

8. Bhopal gas tragedy (December 3rd 1984)
45 tonnes of MIC gas alongwith traces of phosogene leaked from three storage tanks of
the Union Carbide Factory resulting in Death on spot 4037, First week after disaster
1500, Next seven years – 2537
Causes of air pollution on human health
The impact of air pollution on human beings occurs in different ways by causing several
ill effects like Stroke, Asthma, Cancer, Heart attack, Artios clerosis, High blood pressure,
Redused lung development, Bronchitis, Coughing, Wheezing etc.

9. Table 1: Estimation of allergic symptoms
Sirajuddin and Ravichandran.,2010
The assessment of respiratory disorders (RDs) was obtained from the
questionnaire survey from the doctors. On the basis of the survey of the SPM-related RDs
each disease was recorded for indexing the imprint class I to IV. Among different
complaints issued the maximum complaints issued in Sneezing and Neck block. The
reason is being the growing number of automobiles and poorly and congested road with
heavy traffic. This problem can be overcome by adapting advance eco-friendly transport
systems, usesage biofuels and widening of roads.

10. Causes of air pollution on plants
Table2. Effect of Auto-Exhaust pollution at Khartoum city on the micromorphology
of some ornamentals in the upper surface of leaf Abdulmoniem et al, 2011, Sudan
Abdulmoniem et al., 2010 recorded several differences were and showed
significant inhibition due to the auto-exhaust pollution. In pollution sites, levels became
smaller with reduced length and width and stomatal index per leaves area. These changes
corresponded to rate of auto-exhaust density regardless of mean annual air temperature of
each site. The results indicate that micro morphology in ornamental leaves is an emergent
property, the magnitude of which is environmentally constrained. Ornamentals grown on
the roadside at Khartoum city showed unthriftness with area. Severe retardation and
obvious chlorosis it is obious that Aristolochia elegans showed more number of
parameters inhibited in maximum percentage and was considered a good indicator of
auto-exhaust pollution and the most sensitive one whie Nerium oleander was the most
resistant plant.

11. Table 3. Air Pollution Induced changes in Foliar Morphology of Calotropis gigantia
Shweta, 2012, Indore
Table 4.Air Pollution Induced changes in Foliar Morphology of Ipomoea fistulosa
Shweta,2012,
Indore
The present study on two shrub species Calotropis gigantia and Ipomoea fistulosa
growing at three different sites in Indore city indicates that air pollution causes significant
changes in foliar morphology. (Shweta, 2012, Indore) The three polluted study area, the
reduction in leaf area was more in IPA than VPA in all the plant species. Amongst the
two shrubs Ipomoea fistulosa appeared to be less affected as reduction in leaf area was
less (21.2%) in this species as compared to Calotropis gigantia in VPA (27.1%), but

12. reverse trend was seen in these two species in IPA i.e. for calotropis gigantia the
reduction in leaf area was (28.5%) and in Ipomoea fistulosa it was (39.2%) reduction.
Calotropis gigantia reduction in L/B ratio was less (8.0%) and (30.1%) as compared to
Ipomoea fistulosa i.e. (26.0%) and (58.0%) in both VPA and IPA. Ipomoea fistulosa
appeared to be less affected as reduction in fresh weight was less (13.8%) in this species
as compared to Calotropis gigantia in VPA (27.3%) similar trend was seen in these two
species in IPA i.e. for Calotropis gigantia the reduction in fresh weight was (49.1%) and
in Ipomoea fistulosa it was (26.0%) reduction. Dry weight in both the polluted areas In
VPA minimum reduction was seen in Calotropis gigantia (15.6%) and ipomoea fistulosa
(1.8%) and in IPA minimum reduction was seen in Ipomoea Fistulosa (4.7%) and
Calotropis Size of stomata and stomatal index was found to be reduced in both the
species growing at polluted site. In VPA reduction in length and breadth of stomata was
seen in Ipomoea fistulosa (length 55.0 μm) and breadth of stomata was seen in (breadth
41.0 μm). While in IPA reduction in length and breadth of stomata was seen in Ipomoea
fistulosa (length 50.0 μm) and (breadth 31.0 μm). In VPA maximum reduction in length
and breadth of stomata was seen in Calotropis gigantia (length 58.0 μm) and breadth of
stomata was seen in (breadth 40.0 μm). It is evident from the present study that the air
pollutants such as SPM, SOx, NOx and O3 from automobile exhaust and industries along
with many other unknown pollutants are responsible for bad air quality. These pollutants
not only affect the morphology of plants but also alter the physiology. Reduction in
various parameters of two shrub species studied at three sites clearly indicates the
deleterious effect of air pollution on plant health.
How to eliminate air pollution….?
Not 100 % we can control the air pollution but we can minimize / control upto some
extent by following ways

13. Apart from all these features there is one more tool for effective management of
air pollution control that is by use of ornamental plants we can minimize and estimate the
pollution load.
Role of ornamental plants in controlling air pollution
Phytoremediation
Urban landscaping
Street scaping
Bio-aesthetic planning
Proper planning and planting
Tolerant and dust scavenging
By creating micro climate
A report of New York City’s Urban Forest
David et al., 2007

14. An analysis of trees in New York City by David et al., 2007 reveals that this city
has about 5.2 million trees with canopies that cover 20.9 percent of the area. The most
common tree species are tree of heaven, black cherry, and sweetgum. The urban forest
currently stores about 1.35 million tons of carbon valued at $24.9 million. In addition,
these trees remove about 42,300 tons of carbon per year ($779,000 per year) and about
2,202 tons of air pollution per year ($10.6 million per year). The structural, or
compensatory, value is estimated at $5.2 billion. Information on the structure and
functions of the urban forest can be used to improve and augment support for urban forest
management programs and to integrate urban forests within plans to improve
environmental quality in the New York City area.
Fig 1. Quantity of pollutants removal by urban trees
David et al., 2007

15. Air Pollution Removal by Urban Trees
Trees also emit volatile organic compounds that can contribute to ozone
formation.
However, integrative studies have revealed that an increase in tree cover leads to reduced
ozone formation. Pollution removal by trees and shrubs in New York City was estimated
using the UFORE model in conjunction with field data and hourly pollution and weather
data for the year 2000. (David et al., 2007) estimated the Pollution removal was greatest
for ozone (O3), followed by nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter less than ten
microns (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). It is estimated that
trees and shrubs remove 2,202 tons of air pollution (CO, NO2, O3, PM10, SO2) per year
with an associated value of $10.6 million (based on estimated national median externality
costs associated with pollutants). Trees remove about three times more air pollution than
shrubs in New York City.
Criteria for plant selection in urban areas

16. Kumar et al., 2013
Evergreen
Large leaved
Rough and loose bark
Indigenous
Ecologically compatible
Low water requirement
High absorption and resistant to
pollutants
Frequently hairy
Trees with high APTI values
Waxy leaves
Easily propagated
Pest and disease resistant
Less care and maintenance
Relatively high growth rate
Canopy architecture
Aesthetic and functional affect
Dust scavenging capacity
Trees canopy with Good filtering
effect
Thin plantation – good filtering effect
(a) (b)
Fig 2. Morphological feature of plant canopy for dust capture efficiency
Use of plant species to controlling air pollution
(Onkar,2006)
Fig 2. Figure shows that in thin-screen plantation, the in-coming air-current can
enter easily and settle the impurities inside the plantation; because the wind current
carrying capacity is largely reduced. The maximum dust concentration here occurs behind
the plantation and from there it falls steadily, with the distance from the source of the
dust. On the other hand, dust concentration falls rapidly inside the thicker plantation,
reaching the maximum on the Luffside and the minimum on the Lee-side. But, from Lee-

17. side the concentration of dust again increases due to increased wind velocity, the lighter
particles are easily carried along over the obstacle (plantation) and whorled along with the
air currents as described earlier. In thicker plantation, a fall out of dust also occurs as a
side-effect of turbulence but not like as in thin plantation. Therefore, dense plantation has
a less filtering effect as compare to thin plantation. In both these plantations, the heavier
particles settle down immediately on the leaf surface through impact due to gravitational
force. Whereas, the lighter particles especially of microscopic nature, are found
suspended in air for a longer time, as gravity does not affect them. Dust sedimentation
also varies from tree to tree within the same plantation. In some species of trees the
sedimentation is more in the apical region, whereas in others, it is at conical and basal
regions. Figure 3 reports the shelter-belts in various forms of plantations; thus act as dust
filters especially when laid down at right angles to the main wind direction depending
upon situation and purpose. These shelter-belts help to reduce the atmospheric particulate
matter entering from flats, offices, schools and other objects to be protected. Besides,
trees around industrial sites also help to purify industrial emissions.
Fig.3 Morphological feature of plant canopy for dust capture efficiency
Fig.3 Use of Plant Species in Controlling Environmental Pollution
Kumar et al., 2013
Different types of leaves tend to have differences in several aspects of their
surfaces. Some types of leaves have greater surface rigidity or roughness than other

18. leaves, which may affect their stickiness or particle solubility. Stickier leaves are better
for collecting particles because more particles would stick to their surface. Therefore,
certain plant leaves may be more useful for efficient dust capturing than other plants. The
various morphological features are also major factors for dust capturing by leaves. The
crown area of plants is depending upon the morphological features of the leaf. The
various types of Morphological features viz. shape, size and surface texture of leaf are
discussed below: Leaves can be of many different shapes. Primarily, leaves are divided
into simple – a single leaf blade with a bud at the base of the leaf stems; or compound leaf
- a leaf with more than one blade. All blades are attached to a single leaf stem. Where the
leaf stems attaches to the twig with an axial bud.
Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI)
Singh and Rao, 1983
A - Ascorbic acid (mg /g FW)
T - Total chlorophyll (mg /g FW)
P - Leaf extracts pH
R - Relative water content (%) of the leaves
ATPI played significant roll to determine the tolerance and susceptibility for plant
species .Plants play an important role in monitoring and maintaining the ecological
balance by actively participating in the cycling of nutrients and gases like carbon dioxide,
oxygen and also provide enormous leaf area for impingement, absorption and
accumulation of air pollutants to reduce the pollution level in the air environment. Studies
have also shown the impacts of air pollution on ascorbic acid content , chlorophyll
content, leaf extract pH and relative water content . These separate parameters gave
conflicting results for same species. For the reason that single parameter may not provide
a clear picture of the pollution-induced changes, air pollution tolerance index (APTI)

19. based on all four parameters has been used for identifying tolerance levels of plants
species. Sensitivity and response of plants to air pollutants is variable. The plant species
which are more sensitive act as biological indicators of air pollution. The response of
plants to air pollution at physiological and biochemical levels can be understood by
analyzing the factors determining resistance and susceptibility. Using plants, as indicator
of air pollution is the possibility of synergistic action of pollutants. Air
pollution tolerance index is used by landscapers to select plant species tolerance to air
pollution.
Table 5. Assessment of air pollution tolerance levels of selected plants around
cement industry, Coimbatore, India Radhapriya et al, 2012, Coimbatore
Radhapriya et.,al 2012. they have selected five different zone for the calculation of
APTI values of different plants
Zone I- in and around the factory;
Zone II- within a 2 km radius of the factory;
Zone III- 2-4 km away from the factory;
T - Tolerant
M – Moderate
IM - Intermediate
S -Sensitive
NA - Not Available
ET - Evergreen Tree
ES -Ever green Shrub
DT -Deciduous Tree

20. Zone IV- 4-6 km away and
Zone V – a control zone 10-12 km away from the industry.
The plants being constantly exposed to the environment to absorb, accumulate and
integrate pollutants impinging on their foliar surfaces.Consequently, they show visible or
subtle changes depending on their sensitivity level . Samples of Casuarina equistifolia,
Delbergia sissoo, Helianthus annus, Muraya species, Phylanthus emblica and Saraca
indica were unavailable in Zone I. Holoptelea integrifolia was unavailable in Zone III and
IV.. In zone I, close to the source of cement pollution, Mangifera indica with highest
APTI of 21.92 was found most tolerant to cement industry pollutants among trees.
Tamarindus indica, Ficus religiosa, Albizia lebbeck and Holoptelea integrifolia also had
high APTI values i.e., 19.72, 19.6, 18.15 and 18.02 respectively. In case of shrubs,
Bougainvillea species showed highest APTI value of 20.97 and found to be more tolerant
compared to the other shrub species studied. In zone II, Bougainvillea species, Mangifera
indica, Ficus religiosa, Azadiracta indica, Aegle marmelos, Moringa oleifera, Psidium
guajava showed APTI values greater than 20. In zone III and zone IV, Thevetia neriifolia,
Saraca indica, Cercocarpus ledifolius, Helianthus annuus had APTI values less than 10,
which was far less than their control counterparts in zone V (>16). Other plant species in
zone III and IV had APTI values above 20. All the plants surrounding the cement industry
are indicative of high pollution exposure comparable to the results obtain for control
plants. Based on the APTI gradation some of the trees present in zone I were less
sensitive towards the pollution, at the same time, trees in zone IV were more sensitive.
The results form a basis for the selection of tolerant species fit for landscape on sites
continuously exposed to elevated levels of particulate pollutants. It could therefore be
concluded that the highly tolerant, moderately tolerant and intermediately tolerant species
will be suitable for the establishment of an effective “green belt” around the cement
industry and their cultivation could be encouraged in large numbers to abate the problem
of particulate pollution.
Fig 4. Air pollution tolerance index of selected plants A case study from Hyderabad,
Uma Devi and Anji Reddy .,2012

21. Area-1: Urban Forestry nursery, (control)
Area-2: Residential area
Area-3: Traffic area
Area-4: Industrial area
Area -5: Peri urban area
The determination of Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) to the plant species in
urban area is important to implement pollution control methods. The identification of the
tolerant plant species suggests suitable plant species to green-belt development and
social-forestry programs. Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) of sixteen plant species
was high in monsoon season which might be due to the washout of the dust particles from
the leaf surface as it increases the photosynthetic activity. Out of all selected plant
species, Delonix regia, Peltophorum pterocarpum, Alestonia scholaris., icus religiosa ,
Samania saman. and Azardirachta indica A. expressed high APTI values. These are
suitable sinks to mitigate the air pollution. Millingtonia hortensis L.f., Clerodendrum
paniculatum L., Terminalia arjuna Roxb., Pongamia pinnata L., Polyalthia longifonia
Sonn. and Emblica officinalis Gaertner. Showed intermediate tolerant capacity. The other
four plant species Syzygium cumin, Terminalia catappa, Swietenia mahagoni. and Saraca
indica. are sensitive to the air pollution in the study area. These four sensitive species can
be used as the bioindicators of air pollution stress.
Table 6. Plants species (Deciduous) and their APTI values
Kumar et al. 2013, Pollachi, TN

22. Kumar et al. studied the APTI values of 12 deciduous plant species using four
biochemical parameters like total chlorophyll, Leaf extracts pH, Ascorbic acid and
relative water content of leaf. Among the different plants the plants which are recorded
the APTI values more than 18 those are tolerant to air pollution and can be used as further
green belt development in the urban areas. Plant species which are recorded the APTI
values less than 18 those are sensitive plants and can be used as a bio indicators for the air
pollution.

23. Table 7.Plants species (Evergreen) and their APTI values
Kumar et al. 2013, Pollachi, TN
Kumar et al. studied the APTI values of 10 evergreen plant species using four
biochemical parameters like total chlorophyll; Leaf extracts pH, Ascorbic acid and
relative water content of leaf. Among the different plants the plants which are recorded
the APTI values more than 18 those are tolerant to air pollution and can be used as further
green belt development in the urban areas. Plant species which are recorded the APTI
values less than 18 those are sensitive plants and can be used as bio indicators for the air
pollution. Among the different plants Pithecolobium dulce, Ficus bengalensis, and
Polyelthia longifolia are tolerant plants and scientists quoted that these plants can be used
for further green belt development in urban ares where as Casuarina equisetifolia can be
used as a bioindicators.
Table 8. Average value of four biochemical parameters of some tree species and
their APTI values
Miria and Anisa, 2013, Pondichery
Miria and Anisa studied the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) and carbon
storage potential are estimated for 20 selected multipurpose trees and compared to
identify any significant relationship. Anticipated Performance Index is also estimated for
these trees. Mangifera indica is identified as the high pollution tolerant tree and it having
fast growth rate with good carbon storage is recommended for plantating as avenue and

24. ornamental tree in urban areas. Senna siamea, Eucalyptus microtheca, Acacia
auriculiformis, Ficus religiosa are also good performers.
Table 9. Anticipated performance index (API) of some trees and their grades
Miria and Anisa, 2013,
Pondichery

25. From the study comparing both APTI and API, overall M. indica is highly
recommended for planting in terms of mitigating air pollution both as an urban tree or an
avenue treebesides it is also one among the fast growing trees and also stores high amount
of organic carbon in its tissues so it should be given high priority for planting . Trees like
S. siamea, E. microtheca, A. auriculiformis, and F. religiosa are also recommended for
planting as they performed well both in APTI and have ranked as good performers under
API.
Importance of ornamental plants to control air pollution
China showed that trees in the city centre removed 772 tons of PM10
during one year (Yang et al., 2005)
In Chicago, USA, urban trees, which occupy 11% of the city area remove about
234 tons of PM10 per year ( Nowak, 1994)

26. Broadleaved species with rough leaf surfaces are more efficient in capturing PM
than those with smooth leaf surface (Beckett et al., 2000)
Fig 5. Benefits of ornamental plants
 Environmental benefits -Temperature reduction and other microclimatic effect
Improving air quality, creation of natural
environment.etc.
 Social benefits – Trees make life more pleasant, feel serene, peaceful, restful and
tranquil in a grove of trees. Removal of air pollutants, etc .
 Communal benefits - Emission of volatile organic compounds, provide privacy,
emphasize views, or screen objectionable views. Etc.

27.  Economic benefits - Energy effect on buildings, lower electricity bill due to
reduced usages of current for filtering effect of air in summer.
Conclusion
 Plants with high APTI values are effectively used for further green belt
development in the urban areas to mitigate the air pollution
 Plants with low APTI values are effectively used as a bioindicators for the air
pollution
 Among the different plants Polyelthia longifolia, Inga dulcie, Mangifera indica,
Azadhiricta indica, Albizia lebbac,delonix regia etc and shrubs like Bouganvillia
spp, Nerium oliender and coedium verigatum can be used for green belt
development in urban areas to mitigate the air pollution.
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