Evaluation of some tree species for heavy metal biomonitoring and pollution tolerance index in Isfahan urban zone

Abstract

It is well established that trees help to reduce air pollution, and there is a growing impetus for green belt expansion in urban areas. For greenbelt development, it is necessary to select plants that tolerant air pollution. In this study, the air pollution tolerance index (APTI) of plant species was evaluated by analyzing some biochemical parameters. Concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and biochemical parameters were determined in the leaves. The results show that Morus alba, Fraxinus excesior, Cupressus sempervirens and Ligustrum ovalifolium could be used as biomonitor species for these heavy metals, especially for Fe, Zn and Cu. Comparison of the four plant species indicated that M. alba was the most tolerant plant to air pollution.

Key words: Air pollution tolerance index (APTI), biomonitoring, heavy metals, biochemical parameters.