Selection of tropical trees and shrubs for urban greening in coal mine complex: a case study of Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the effectiveness of roadside trees for removing dust and the effects of dust load on the physiology and micromorphology of the foliage. The present study was conducted near an open coal mining complex situated in Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh, India, to assess the air pollution tolerance index (APTI), anticipated performance index (API), dust capturing capacity (DCC), and leaf morphology of trees and shrubs growing around the coal fields. Results showed that Azadirachta indica, Mangifera indica, Ficus religiosa, Ailanthus excelsa, and Ficus benghalensis were the most tolerant species towards air pollution (high APTI scores), while plants like Calotropis gigantea, Lantana camara, and Tectona grandis were proven to be bio-indicator species. Butea monosperma, Ficus benghalensis, Alstonia scholaris, and Terminalia arjuna were plant species with the highest DCC. Two-way ANOVA showed significant differences site-wise and season-wise in the biochemical parameters of APTI and a considerable difference site-wise with respect to dust capturing capacity. Correlation and regression analyses revealed a very high positive correlation between APTI and ascorbic acid value. The study recommends suitable plant species to manage rising air pollution in the coal mine and nearby areas apart from suggesting the development of a green belt.