The present study focused on the analysis of photosynthetic pigments (Chl-a,Chl-b, chlorophylla/b ratio) of Adiantum capillus-veneris L. collected from five different locations of Doon valley and nearby areas. The areas include Maldevta, Shasthradhara, Majra, Patel Nagar, Biharigarh. Out of the five sites, plants collected from two sites (Maldevta, Shasthradhara) were more of natural habitats while other three (Majra, Patel Nagar, Biharigarh) were more near human habitat. The analysis of photosynthetic pigment was carried out by using chlorophyll extraction method as described by Arnon, 1949. Conclusion The highest concentration of photosynthetic pigment was found in plants which grow in moist and shady places i.e., Maldevta and Shasthradhara near water source, while the lowest value was obtained from the plants which belongs to dry and exposed areas i.e., Patel Nagar and Biharigarh. Highest Chl a content (0.16 mg/gfw) was recorded from Maldevta while lowest 0.083 mg/gfw have been reported from Majra near human habitat. Highest Chl b value (0.13 mg/gfw) was obtained from Biharigarh region whereas lowest value (0.008 mg/gfw) was found in Shasthradhara region. Chlorophyll a/b ratio is lesser in plants which grow in shady places as seen in the study that plants in Maldevta showed least value (3.7) while highest in exposed areas i.e., Shasthradhara (20). In our investigation it has been observed that chl a/b ratio is high in plants which are found in shady places in comparison to the plants which are grown in exposed areas so these changes can be attributed to disturbances in environmental factors i.e., increase in anthropogenic activities which leads to environmental stress. Thus it can be concluded that chlorophyll loss may be associated to environmental stress and the variation in total chlorophyll can be considered as a significant indicator of pollution.
