Evaluation of Air Pollution Tolerance Index (Apti) of Selected Tree Species of Industrial Areas in Dindori, District Nasik, Maharashtra, India

The present study assessed the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) of thirteen tree species growing in the industrial zone of Nasik, Maharashtra, with particular emphasis on the Dindori Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area, over the period from August 2022 to July 2024. Four biochemical and physiological parameters—total chlorophyll content, ascorbic acid concentration, leaf extract pH, and relative water content (RWC)—were analyzed to evaluate the tolerance or sensitivity of plant species to air pollution stress. The results revealed considerable interspecific variation in APTI values, reflecting differential responses to industrial air pollutants. Ficus benghalensis L. (APTI = 13.71) and Ficus religiosa L. (APTI = 12.87) exhibited the highest tolerance levels and demonstrated strong potential for urban greenbelt development. In contrast, Eucalyptus tereticornis Sm. recorded a comparatively low APTI value (9.02), indicating greater susceptibility to air pollution. Seasonal analysis showed that RWC and chlorophyll content were highest during the monsoon season, likely due to the washout of atmospheric pollutants, and lowest during summer and winter, when plants experienced increased stress from gaseous and particulate pollutants. The study concludes that the strategic plantation of tolerant and moderately tolerant species such as Samanea saman, Ficus religiosa, and Ficus benghalensis can play a significant role in mitigating air pollution and improving environmental quality in industrial areas such as Dindori MIDC