Evaluating Role of Cassia fistula, Psida cordifolia, and Aegel marmelos in Reducing Environmental Pollution
Harshal C. Kulkarni* and Prakash S. Lohar
PG Research Center, Department of Zoology
MGSM’s ASC College, Chopda 425107 Dist. Jalgaon MS
*Corresponding Author:
Abstract:
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. Air pollution is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or cause damage to the natural environment or built environment, into the atmosphere. The main air pollutants are represented by gases forms, particles in suspension, different ionizing radiation and noise. The gases forms are: oxidized and reduced forms of carbon (CO2, CO, CH4), of nitrogen (NO2, NO, N2O4, NH3, NH4+), SO2, O3, C6H6 vapors’, Hg, volatile phenols, Cl2, etc. produced by industries and motor vehicles.
The present study was designed to evaluate role of medicinal plants Cassia fistula, Psida cordifolia, and Aegel marmelos in reduction of air pollution of study area. The plants were collected from campus of Arts, Science and Commerce College, Chopda and scientifically identified by concerned authority. Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) was calculated by estimating the values of four different biochemical parameters i.e. leaf extract, pH, ascorbic acid, total chlorophyll and relative water contents. Based on the APTI value the plants were conveniently grouped as APTI value Response 30 to100 as tolerant, 29 to17 as intermediate, 16 to 1 as sensitive and < 1 considered as very sensitive. Based on the results obtained, it was significant to note that Cassia fistula is highly tolerant, Aegel marmelos is moderately tolerant and Psida cordifolia is intermediately tolerant medicinal plant. All three plants are suitable for the establishment of an effective “green belt” around the polluted area. The results form a basis for the selection of tolerant species fit for sites continuously exposed to elevated levels of particulate pollutants.