Identifying pollution scavenging potential of perennial plants growing in Maitreyi College Campus, University of Delhi

Aim: Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) represents the potential of a plant to combat air pollution. In the present study, APTI value of 77 perennials growing in the Maitreyi College Campus, New Delhi was calculated, and these plants were classified into tolerant and sensitive species. Methodology: APTI was calculated by assessing four physiological and biochemical parameters, pH, Relative Water Content (RWC), Total Chlorophyll (TCh), and Ascorbic Acid (AA). Results: The highest APTI was observed in Musa sp. (10.52) indicating it to be the most tolerant, while the lowest in Aegle marmelos (1.93), showing it to be the most sensitive for pollution. Results showed Musa sp., Salmelia sp., Terminalia arjuna, Murraya exotica, Hamelia patens, Ravenala madagascariensis, Ficus racemosa, Cascabela thevetia, Eugenia uniflora, Nyctanthes arbortristis to have good potential in reducing air pollution in a sustainable manner. Species such as Aegle marmelos, Plumeria rubra, Dracaena, Carissa carandas, Eucalyptus sp. were sensitive to air pollution. Interpretation: Analysis of results suggested the importance of APTI analysis in a campus for cataloging the pollution tolerant and sensitive plants. The pollution tolerant plants could be used for the green belt formation, while plants, which are sensitive to pollution can be used as an indicator of pollution. Moreover, mapping and compilation of information of trees (deciduous and evergreen) and shrubs growing in the campus helped in documenting the rich flora of the campus with pollution tolerance potential. Key words: Air Pollution, Air Pollution Tolerance Index, Air quality, Trees