ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF URBANIZATION ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL BEHAVIOUR OF HEDERA HELIX: A STUDY OF AIR POLLUTION TOLERANCE INDEX AND DUST DEPOSITION

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of urbanization on the physiological behavior of Hedera helix in Debrecen, Hungary, focusing on air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and dust deposition. Leaf samples were collected from various urban sites and analyzed for pH, ascorbic acid content, total chlorophyll, relative water content, and surface dust accumulation. Results showed that H. helix leaves from polluted areas exhibited lower pH and chlorophyll content but higher ascorbic acid, water content, dust deposition, and APTI values compared to control sites. These findings indicate that H. helix is sensitive to air pollution and can serve as an effective bioindicator for urban air quality monitoring. Seasonal variations were also observed, highlighting the influence of environmental changes on pollution responses. The study supports the use of H. helix in sustainable urban planning and environmental monitoring.