Biological monitoring of roadside plants exposed to vehicular pollution in Jalgaon city.

Experiments on air and biomonitoring were conducted to evaluate pollution impact on the vegetation along the road in Jalgaon City, Maharashtra. The plantation along the roads and mainly includes neem (Aadirachta indica), peepal (Ficus religiosa), banyan (Ficus benghalensis), almond (Terminalia catapa). For biomonitoring, leaf area, total chlorophyll, plant protein were analyzed to study the impact of air pollutants. It was observed that vegetation at roadside with heavy traffic and markets was much affected by vehicular emission. Significant decrease in total chlorophyll and protein content was observed with reduced leaf area. It is concluded that plants can be used as indicators for urban air pollution, and there is need to protect the roadside plants from air pollution.

Effects of rogar and endosulfan on the metabolism of fresh water sponge (Spongilla lacustris).

Spongilla lacustris were exposed to sub lethal concentrations of pesticides, rogar and endosulfan for one month period. Metabolites like carbohydrates, protein and enzymes like those that peroxidase and carbonic anhydrase were estimated in the experimental and control animals. The results show, depletion of carbohydrates while protein elevated as the days progressed. Similarly an enzyme activity found to be decreased in exposed Spongilla lacustris.