Effect of Air Pollution on the Micro-morphological and Biochemical Parameters of Clerodendrum indicum L. in Lucknow District

Leaves of Clerodendrum indicum L. commonly known as glorybower were collected from Charbagh (loco area), Talkatora (industrial area) and Garden of Lucknow University (healthy area) for the experiment to assess the effect of air pollution, morphologically as well as physiologically. Epidermal cell frequency, length of stomata, breadth of stomata, stomatal frequency, stomatal index and trichome frequency were severely affected due to air pollution. Biochemical parameters were evaluated in two different seasons to assess the tolerance effect and seasonal variation. Photosynthetic pigments were found to be decreased while phaeophytin was increased. Activities of catalase and peroxidase were enhanced in polluted plants and the increase was more pronounced in winter as compared to summer season.