An Evaluation of Air Pollution Tolerance Index and Anticipated Performance Index of Some Tree Species Considered for Green Belt Development: A Case Study of Nandesari Industrial Area, Vadodara, Gujarat, India

It is well renowned that trees have capacity to reduce the air pollution. It is mandatory to expand tree plantation in industrial area to minimize the threat of pollutants. For green belt development, it is necessary to use plants that are tolerant to air pollution. The present study includes Air pollution tolerance index (APTI) of selected plant species with the help of biochemical analysis. On the basis of APTI and some other socioeconomic and biological parameters of plants, Anticipated Performance Index (API) was calculated. Out of twelve species, Ficus benghalensis showed to be the most efficient among others. As per classification of API, Ficus religiosa tree species is classified into the moderate category. Based on the APTI and API, appropriate plant species for green belt development in industrial area were identified and recommended for mitigating the pollution.