Changes in vegetation characteristics downwind of an aluminium factory in india

Abstract

Vegetation characteristics were assessed at different distances downwind of an aluminium factory to elucidate changes in community attributes. The importance value index (1V1) of sensitive species decreased and those of tolerant species increased with the increasing pollution load around the factory. Plant community composition changed with distance from this source. Species richness and the Shannon-Weiner index increased with the increasing distance from the source, while concentration of dominance declined from 1 to 11 km. The similarity coefficient indicated that the third and fifth sites are closer to each other, and first and fourth sites are farthest. The shape of the species sequence vs. the IVI distribution curve slipped from the shape of log normal distribution at sites receiving higher pollution load. The woody layer is found to be more affected compared to the herbaceous layer. The aluminium factory impact was most pronounced up to 4 km downwind of the source. Data on ambient air quality were found to be directly related to the unfavourable changes in community attributes. © 1994 Annals of Botany Company.