Assessment of the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) and Anticipated Performance Index (API) of Several Tree Species on Coal Mining Transportation Route: Case at the Air Laya Coal Mine Bukit Asam, South Sumatra, Indonesia

Coal mining transportation activities in the Air Laya coal mine area of Bukit Asam involve the mobilization of vehicles that can potentially increase air pollution due to exhaust emissions and dust particles. This pollution negatively impacts environmental quality and the sustainability of the surrounding vegetation. To mitigate these effects, revegetation is employed as an environmental restoration strategy. This study aims to evaluate the tolerance of several tree species along the Air Laya Mine transportation route using the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) and Anticipated Performance Index (API) methods. The APTI findings revealed that the four examined tree species demonstrate varying levels of tolerance to air pollution. Chinese Albizia (Albizia chinensis (Osbeck) Merr.) recorded the highest APTI score and was categorized as tolerant. Earleaf Acacia (Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. Ex Benth) and Eucalyptus Tree (Melaleuca leucadendra (L.) L.) were classified as having moderate tolerance, while Red Sandalwood (Pterocarpus indicus Willd) was identified as sensitive. In terms of the API assessment, Acacia auriculiformis was classified as Excellent; Melaleuca leucadendra and Albizia chinensis were rated as Very Good, and Pterocarpus indicus was categorized as Good. These results suggest that species with high APTI and API scores possess significant potential for use as buffer vegetation in green transportation corridors, contributing to sustainable air pollution mitigation.