Impact of particulate pollution on the growth and physiology of trees in moist deciduous forests

Abstract

The research work on ‘Impacts of particulate pollution on the growth and physiology of trees in moist deciduous forests’ was carried out in the vicinity of Malabar cements Ltd., from August 2012 to June 2013. The objective of the research was to study the growth and physiology of Tectona grandis under the stress caused by the particulate pollution caused by deposition of cement dust and also to compare the air pollution tolerance index of important moist deciduous forest species found in the region to identify the trees least affected by particulate pollution. The results indicated a reduction in chlorophyil content and ascorbic acid content in species sensitive to particulate pollutants. Butea monosperma was the most tolerant to particulate pollution stress, followed by cassia fistula, Terminalia paniculata and grewia tiliifolia. Species like Bombax ceiba , Terminalia catappa and Anogeissus latifolia was sensitive to particulate pollution.While Tectona grandis, which is predominantly found planted in the region fell in the category of intermediate tolerance. Tactona grandis found abundantly in the area due to many plantations setup in the region, is only having intermediate tolerance to the particulate pollutions. Various physiological parameters of Tectona grandis like chlorophyll content , LAI,LAD, water potential, photosynthesis, transpiration and leaf surface area was found affected by the deposition of particulate pollutants. Changes in the wood anatomical properties was also found when they were compared to those grown in relatively healthier environments of Nilambur. There was a significant increase in the vessel frequency, ray frequency and fibre length was reduced in tectona grandis at Walayar