A Comparative Study on Effect of Quarry Dust and Cement Dust on Selected Trees

Environmental tribulations in India are intensifying rapidly. An array of gases and tiny particles can harm and damage the environment. The dust pollution is localized effect near roads, quarries, cement works and industrial works. The extent of damage caused by fine dust depositions affecting plants Physiological processes are not often considered. Objectives of present study is to estimate the influence of quarry dust and cement dust on selected trees growing around the quarries and around Panyam cements at Bethamcherla, Kurnool district and to assess their Air pollution tolerance indices by estimating PH, Relative water content, Ascorbic acid content and Total chlorophyll content of the leaf samples collected in those study sites. Further to recommend the plants that are suitable to grow in such areas to develop a green belt in such polluted sites. Azadirachta indica Juss, Ficus benghalensis L., Holoptelea integrifolia Roxb. and Terminalia catappa L. are the species that are shown considerable percentage increase in APTI at both the study sites. These four plant species may be recommended to grow at cement dust and quarry dust polluted areas.