Abstract
The research aimed at comparing the physiological and biochemical parameters in Bougainvillea glabra grown at a polluted site with the control site in addition to studying its Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) and Anticipated Performance Index (API). The polluted site was selected from the main road in Addarb Jazan, while as, the control site was ensured free from any traffic movement. Parameters like Dust fall, Photosynthetic Pigments, Protein Content, Soluble sugar Content, Free amino Acid Content were studied in addition to the parameters necessary for the calculation of air pollution tolerance index like Total Chlorophyll, pH, Ascorbic acid content and Relative Water Content. Anticipated Performance Index was also calculated. There was an increase in chlorophyll, free amino acid content, soluble sugar content and pH of leaf extract and while as the protein content, ascorbic acid content and the relative water content showed a decrease in polluted plants as compared to the control. Our research finds that despite the polluted plant being under some biochemical stress, it shows a high tolerance to the vehicular pollution depicted by a high air pollution tolerance and anticipated performance index. Hence this plant species can be recommended for inclusion in the urban greenbelt development plan and city landscaping.