Effect of automobile exhaust on some tree species lining the Lahore Mall (A case study)
Effect of automobile exhaust on some tree species lining the Lahore Mall (A case study)
A. U. Khan, S. Siddique and F. Naz
ABSTRACT
The choking atmosphere created at the site specifically chosen for the study is due to emissions of vehicle exhaust which resulted in abnormal growth of trees lining the road. Six specie, namely Alstonia scholaris, Heterophragma adenophyllm, Mimusops elengi, Ficus
religiosa, Ficus bengalensis and Ficus infectoria growing along both sides of the road were compared with the same species of trees in a relatively cleaner atmosphere. Tree species growing along the Mall reveal departure in their morphological, reproductive and
phenological pattern. The amount of lead absorbed by the trees along the road is greater than those growing in the garden but the effect is more pronounced on some than others. The tree Ficus species are better adapted to survive dehydration stress compared to other species which are more susceptible and are therefore more prone to pollution injuries. The chemical and physical forms
of the pollutants, effects of exposure dosage on the plants, alongwith plant physiology and the energy and chemical balance in the plant micro-environment created on the road determine to what extent pollution can be absorved or emitted by these trees.
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June 1995
Vol. 45, Iss. 2
