Pollen as a Bioindicator of Vehicular Pollution: A Case Study of Chapra Town (Bihar)

Abstract

Environmental health monitoring relies on crucial bioindicators like pollen grains. Vehicular pollution, a significant threat poses risks to ecosystems and air quality. Pollen grains, as reproductive microspores of seed plants, serve as sensitive biological indicators due to their direct interaction with the atmosphere. Chapra as a town characterized by urban growth and traffic, is an ideal case to study the link between pollen patterns and vehicular emissions. Present work aimed to assess the impact of vehicular pollution on the local environment of Chapra using pollen as a bioindicator. Survey of airborne pollen concentrations in various zones of Chapra town were done than trapped pollen were isolated and identified. Fluctuation of pollen grain density throughout different seasons were studied. Protein content were identified. The correlation between the toxicological effects and the ecological dimension were Examined, considering the distribution patterns of pollen grains. Pollen calendar were provided. The findings revealed heightened sensitivity of pollen grains from plants located in the traffic-prone areas of Chhapra. Substantial decrease in both the quantity and dimensions of pollen grains were also shown as well as reductions in pollen tube lengths and viability in contrast to the control site. Furthermore, the contaminated site displayed the most pronounced abnormalities in pollen structure, accompanied by reduced levels of pollen protein content.