Peepal, mango, neem, maize, safflower & pigeon pea are found to be most suitable for areas with higher levels of air pollution
The level of ascorbic acid in plants determines their tolerance against the adverse effect of oxidising pollutants. Photo: iStock. Certain trees and crops which are endemic to India can help lower the impact of air pollution by absorbing and filtering pollutants, according to a new study.
Trees such as pipal, neem, mango and crops like maize, pigeon pea and safflower are best suited for areas with higher levels of air pollution, noted the study published in journal Current Science April 25, 2023.
These trees exhibited the highest air pollution tolerance index (APTI) values during a study conducted in Patna, Bihar. APTI and anticipated performance index are tools used to assess the tolerance capacity of tree and crop species against air pollution.
Researchers from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research analysed crops and trees that are most common in the eastern region of India. They studied 19 tree and crop species from five different locations in Patna to assess the impact of air pollutants on the biochemical parameters.
Watch video: How air pollution affects children?
Different trees and crop species responded differently towards air pollution. The level of ascorbic acid in plants determines their tolerance against the adverse effect of oxidising pollutants. Ascorbic acid levels were higher in peepal, followed by mango trees.
Among cereals, ascorbic acid levels were found to be the highest in maize. In oilseeds, safflower and flax seeds had similar levels of ascorbic acid. Among pulses, the pigeon pea had the highest ascorbic acid content, followed by the Indian pea.
Patna city in the Indo-Gangetic belt is one of India’s most polluted cities. There is a need to focus more on mitigating air pollution and its remediation. One of the best remedies for this is urban forestry and agriculture, the researchers pointed out.
“In the current Indian scenario, where increasing air pollution is a serious concern, the conscious selection of less susceptible trees and crops towards air pollution would be an eco-friendly management strategy. Such species also serve to lower and remove pollutants from the atmosphere,” read the study.
Read more: Step towards transparency: Rajasthan pollution control board shares emissions data online
Most cities in the region recorded a rising trend in annual particulate matter (PM) 2.5 level in 2021.
Bihar pollution control board’s action plan to control air pollution recommended the creation of a green belt in and around Patna and planting trees like neem, sheesham, peepal, keekar and gulmohar to make the air clean and healthy.
Air pollution is bouncing back in West Bengal, Bihar and Odisha after a short decline due to disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, an analysis by the Delhi-based non-profit Centre for Science and Environment had found.
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