Abstract
To exploit the ability of vegetation to capture particulate matter (dust) from the air and improve air quality, 546 clean air zones (CAZs) consisting of various types of urban green space have been established in Taiwan. This study systematically assessed the pollutant filtering efficiency of tree species planted in these green spaces. This research aims to provide quantitative data on individual trees’ dust retention functions for future green space planning in urban areas. Field surveys were conducted in 98 CAZs throughout Taiwan. The vegetation composition of approximately 14,000 woody trees, consisting of 210 species, was surveyed. The vegetation surveyed showed that the dominant species in many CAZs in southern Taiwan were introduced species. The dust capturing capacity of the tree species was found to be positively correlated with leaf size. However, the amount of dust retention was affected mainly by the surface structure and morphological characteristics of the leaves, such as a rough, hairy surface. Among the tree species, Spathodea campanulata, Pterocarpus indicus, and Delonix regia exhibited the best dust capture and retention capacity in southern Taiwan, and Ficus macrocarpa, Alstonia scholaris, and Melia azedarach were the most desirable dust retention species. The results suggest that native evergreen species are suitable for dust retention in urban green spaces.
Highlights
Air pollution, which consists mainly of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and dust particles, is the leading environmental cause of human health problems worldwide
A total of 14,598 trees consisting of 210 species, 145 genera, and 61 families were measured in 98 sample Clean Air Zones (CAZs)
CAZs contain a wide range of tree species, including old-growth native species and many newly introduced species
Summary
Air pollution, which consists mainly of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and dust particles, is the leading environmental cause of human health problems worldwide. Dust particles contain a wide variety of pollutants with various chemical compositions; they affect human health by causing respiratory and heart problems resulting from the inhalation of small particles. As with other regions worldwide, Taiwan has severe environmental problems, including air and water pollution. Air pollution is most obvious in Taipei, the capital and largest city. It is in a valley surrounded by mountains, and the primary cause of urban air pollution is the large number of vehicles (mostly motorbikes and scooters) [5]. Within the CAZs, vegetation and beautification are enhanced, and cycling lanes and other greening facilities or landscapes are installed [6]
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