The Spectral Determination of Chlorophylls A, B and Total Carotenoids Using Various Solvents for Tree Species Growing near Sugar Mill

Sugar industry is one of the most important agro based industries in India and is highly responsible for creating significant impact on rural economy in particular and countries economy in general. Sugar industries rank second amongst mavar agro based industries in India. Sugar industry is seasonal in nature and operates only for 120 to 200 days in a year (early November to April). A significant large amount of waste is generated during the manufacture of sugar and contains a high amount of production load particularly in items of suspended solids, organic matters, press-mud, bagasses and air pollution. Air pollutants from sugar mill can directly affect plants via leaves or indirectly via soil acidification. When exposed to air pollutants, most plant experience physiological changes before exhibiting visible damage to leaves. In the present study, the extraction of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid pigments were studied in the five tree species such as Ficus benghalensis, Delonix regia, Ficus religiosa, Azadirachta indica and Pongamia pinnata. Extraction was made by using solvents such as acetone (80% and 100%), ethanol and ethyl acetate. The spectrophotometric determination of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid pigments were studied. The study area was polluted with organic pollutants which results in reduced pigment levels in the leaves. It was observed that Acetone (100%) showed higher significance during the extraction process when compared to ethanol, ethyl acetate and acetone (80%).