Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
08:24
Mesocosm-Scale Constructed Wetland Design for Wastewater Treatment
Published on: May 2, 2025
1.2K
Ornamental plants as sinks and bioindicators.
Environmental Technology
|March 13, 2014
Summary
Dracaena deremensis and Tagetes erecta show tolerance to urban air pollution, making them suitable for planting in polluted areas. Rosa indica and Dianthus caryophyllus are sensitive and can serve as bioindicators of air quality.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Plant Physiology
- Urban Ecology
Background:
- Urban air pollution poses a significant challenge, particularly in metropolitan areas like Delhi.
- Existing pollution control policies have shown limited success in improving air quality.
- Afforestation and greenbelt development are recognized strategies for pollution mitigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the biochemical responses of ornamental plant species to urban air pollution.
- To identify plant species suitable for air pollution abatement and those that can act as bioindicators.
Main Methods:
- Four plant species (Dracaena deremensis, Tagetes erecta, Rosa indica, Dianthus caryophyllus) were exposed to varying traffic densities for 120 days.
- Biochemical parameters including total chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, pH, and relative water content were analyzed.
- Air Pollution Tolerance Indices (APTI) were determined from foliar samples.
Main Results:
- Dracaena deremensis and Tagetes erecta exhibited tolerance to air pollution.
- Rosa indica and Dianthus caryophyllus were identified as sensitive to air pollution.
- Significant differences in biochemical parameters were observed across sites with varying pollution levels.
Conclusions:
- Dracaena deremensis and Tagetes erecta are recommended for use as pollution sinks in highly polluted urban sites.
- Rosa indica and Dianthus caryophyllus can effectively serve as bioindicators for monitoring urban air quality.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:40Epiphytes, Parasites, and Carnivores
12.6K
Plants often form mutualistic relationships with soil-dwelling fungi or bacteria to enhance their roots’ nutrient uptake ability. Root-colonizing fungi (e.g., mycorrhizae) increase a plant’s root surface area, which promotes nutrient absorption. While root-colonizing, nitrogen-fixing bacteria (e.g., rhizobia) convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3), making nitrogen available to plants for various biological functions. For example, nitrogen is essential for the...
12.6K
02:35Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
17.9K
Like all living organisms, plants require organic and inorganic nutrients to survive, reproduce, grow and maintain homeostasis. To identify nutrients that are essential for plant functioning, researchers have leveraged a technique called hydroponics. In hydroponic culture systems, plants are grown—without soil—in water-based solutions containing nutrients. At least 17 nutrients have been identified as essential elements required by plants. Plants acquire these elements from the...
17.9K
00:46Bioremediation
17.4K
Bioremediation is the use of prokaryotes, fungi, or plants to remove pollutants from the environment. This process has been used to remove harmful toxins in groundwater as a byproduct of agricultural run-off and also to clean up oil spills.
17.4K
02:41Responses to Drought and Flooding
10.2K
Water plays a significant role in the life cycle of plants. However, insufficient or excess of water can be detrimental and pose a serious threat to plants.
10.2K
02:11The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
36.3K
Plants have the impressive ability to create their own food through photosynthesis. However, plants often require assistance from organisms in the soil to acquire the nutrients they need to function correctly. Both bacteria and fungi have evolved symbiotic relationships with plants that help the species to thrive in a wide variety of environments.
36.3K