Evaluation of air pollution tolerance index of selected plant species in urban parks of Isfahan

Air pollution has become one of the major troubles in urban area. Air pollution tolerance index (APTI) was calculated by taking 5 different species growing commonly in 10 different areas of urban parks. In this study, the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) of five different plant species such as Cupressus sempervirens, Ulmus carpinifolia, Platanus orientalis, Robinia pesudoacacia, Pinus eldarica was taken from urban parks of Isfahan during summer and winter season. It has been evaluated by analyzing important biochemical parameters. Four physiological and biochemical parameters including ascorbicacid (AA) content, leaf relative water content (RWC), total leaf chlorophyll (TCh), and leaf extract pH were used to develop the APTI values. The data obtained were further analyzed by using one way ANOVA. Among the trees in the urban parks studied, higher value of APTI recorded for Robinia pesudoacacia and proved to be a tolerant variety while the minimum value of APTI recorded for Platanus orientalis and proved as sensitive species to air pollutants. Plants with high Air Pollution Tolerant Index (APTI) values recommended for development of urban parks and green area. The APTI values provide a reliable method for selecting tolerant plants.