Tree Species for bio-monitoring and Green Belt Design: A Case Study of Ota Industrial Estate, Nigeria

Bio-chemical and physiological parameters of plants have been employed in the screening of suitable bio - monitors via the estimation of air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and anticipated performance index (API). In the present study, five plant species, Elaesis guineensis, Mangifera indica, Terminate catappa, Musa spp and Araucaria heterophylla within high concentrated industrial areas of Ota industrial estate were evaluated based on these two indices. APTI for all plant species ranged from 3.43 to 10.1 signifying their bio-monitoring status. Out of five species, Terminate catappa was identified as the most sensitive. Following API classification, Mangifera indica was graded as a good performer while Elaesis guineensis and Terminate catappa were grouped as moderate performers for green belt development. Further evaluation of screened trees for high grade tolerant species and carbon sequestration potential is recommended.