Assessing the effectiveness of green belt zones with plant species in combating urban air pollution

Air pollution poses a significant threat to both human health and the environment.Plants have the capacity to absorb pollutants and act as living filters, thus playing a crucial role in reducing air pollution.The present study aimed to assess the air pollution tolerance index of Terminalia catappa, Phyllanthus emblica, Syzygiumcumini, Eucalyptus globulus Labill.Biochemical analysis, namely, pH of the leaf extract, relative water content, total chlorophyll content and ascorbic acid content were analyzed and air pollution tolerance index was calculated as per standard guidelines.The antioxidant enzymes were also assessed.The present study revealed that the chlorophyll content in the plants varied from 1.6 to 0.8mg/g in unpolluted leaf samples and 1.0 to 0.6mg/g in polluted sites.The leaf extract pH ranged from 7. 35-5.21.Syzygiumcumini showed the greatest RWC (90%) in unpolluted sites.The ascorbic acid level was found to be high in Phyllanthus Emblica.The Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) is a scientific tool used to quantify the tolerance levels of plants to air pollution.The APTI values were in the order Phyllanthus Emblica 15.4,Terminalia catappa 14.3, Syzygiumcumini13.97,Eucalyptusglobulus Labill 12.54 in unpolluted leaves and in polluted leaves APTI values were 12.69 for Phyllanthus emblica, 11.85 for Terminaliacatappa, 10.77 for Syzygiumcumini and 10.26 for Eucalyptus globulus Labill respectively.As key components of green belt enhancement, plants not only contribute to reduction of air pollution but also offer additional benefits such as biodiversity preservation and aesthetic enhancement.Therefore, there is a compelling need to promote and develop green belt zones in urban areas affected by high levels of air pollution.