Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

EFFECT OF AMBIENT AIR POLLUTION ON PHOTOSYNTHETIC PIGMENTS OF SOME SELECTED TREES IN URBAN AREA

Avnish Chauhan and P.C. Joshi

Abstract

Gases and particulates pollutants emitted from automobiles and industries adversely affect the various trees at the edge of roadside. Chlorophyll 'a' content, chlorophyll 'b' content, total chlorophyll content and carotenoid decreased in Grevillea robusta A. Cunn., Eucalyptus citriodora Hook., Cassia fistula L. and Ficus bengalensis L. at polluted site as compared to their control site.There was maximum (25.83 %) reduction of chlorophyll 'a' content in the leaves of selected trees viz., Grevillea robusta A. Cunn. and minimum ( I 8.80 %) reduction was in the leaves of Ficus bengalensis L. while maximum (22.58%) carotenoids was depleted in Eucalyptus citriodora Hook. and minimum (9.56%) depleted in Cassia fistula L. at polluted site as compared to control site.The maximum (28.66 %) reduction of ascorbic acid was observed in the leaves of Cassia fistula L and minimum (10.57 %) reduction was observed in the leaves of Ficus bengalensis L.