Species variation in air pollution tolerance, performance, and dust retention of urban roadside trees: implications for urban greening and green corridor planning

Abstract

Vehicular emissions are a significant source of urban air pollution, posing serious threats to environmental quality and public health. Roadside trees serve as natural biofilters by mitigating air pollutants and improving urban livability. However, plant tolerance, physiological performance, and dust retention capacity vary widely across species. This study assessed interspecific variation in the air pollution tolerance index (APTI), anticipated performance index (API), and dust retention potential of 66 tree species exposed to vehicular emissions, to identify suitable candidates for urban green space and green corridor development. The findings indicated significant seasonal and interspecific variations, with higher APTI and API values during the post-monsoon season compared to the pre-monsoon season. The species such as Swietenia macrophylla, Dalbergia sissoo, Millingtonia hortensis, Khaya senegalensis, Ficus religiosa, Azadirachta indica, Putranjiva roxburghii, Cassia fistula, Pterospermum acerifolium, and Bauhinia variegata exhibited high APTI and API values, indicating strong tolerance to vehicular emissions and suitability for roadside plantations. In addition, Kigelia pinnata, P. roxburghii, Conocarpus lancifolius, and Pithecellobium dulce demonstrated high dust retention potential, highlighting their significant role in particulate matter mitigation. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive association between ascorbic acid content and APTI, suggesting its reliability as a biochemical marker for pollution tolerance. In contrast, phenolic and sugar contents indicated an oxidative stress response and metabolic adaptation. This study underlines the importance of species-specific monitoring in urban planning and policy, enabling the selection of tolerant, high-performing trees for sustainable urban greening and green corridor development to mitigate the impacts of vehicular emissions and other anthropogenic activities. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025.