Research Article Open Access

IMPACT OF CEMENT DUST ON Azadirachta indica LEAVES - A MEASURE OF AIR POLLUTION IN AND AROUND ARIYALUR

Abstract

Ariyalur, situated in Tamilnadu is rich in limestone and there are many cement factories in and around Ariyalur. Six lakes in and around Ariyalur was considered for the study and Azadirachta indica leaves commonly known as neem leaves from neem trees were collected for estimation of total chlorophyll content, chlorophyll ‘a’, chlorophyll ‘b’ and moisture content. The estimated chlorophyll and moisture contents were compared with control. It was found that both the chlorophyll and moisture levels in the leaves were less in all the six locations in and around Ariyalur. The reason is attributed to the accumulation of cement dust on the leaves resulting in retarded growth of the trees. Hence, the estimation of chlorophyll content and moisture content can be taken as a measure of air pollution. Water has to be sprinkled, if grown, on the leaves of trees or plants for removal of cement dust for the healthy growth of the plants.

R.RAMANATHAN, T.JEYAKAVITHA AND M. JEGANATHAN

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