Abstract
The main of the research was to analyze the leaf metal accumulation capability of Platanus acerifolia (Aiton) Willd., Ailantus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Quercus ilex L., largely distributed in Rome. In addition, metal concentration was analyzed in the soil, sampling sites were chosen in historical parks (A sites) and high traffic level sites (B sites). The results highlight significant higher leaf and soil metal concentrations in B than in A sites. The ratio between metal concentration in leaves and soils (Biological Absorption Coefficient, BAC) for all the considered sites was significantly different among the species. Morphological and anatomical leaf traits of the considered species show significant differences in A and B sites in response to traffic level. Overall, the results highlight the importance of the selection of tree species in urban areas for their ability to lower pollution levels.
Highlights
Atmospheric pollution is one of the most important problems in urban areas worldwide [1] [2] [3] having significant impacts on the population health, in cities
LA was significantly higher for R. pseudoacacia, P. acerifolia, A. altissima in A sites (248.40 ± 77.13 cm2, 195.96 ± 25.58 cm2, 939.53 ± 98.21 cm2, respectively, mean value) than in B sites
LT was significantly higher in A sites for R. pseudoacacia, A. altissima and P. acerifolia (135.13 ± 4.00 μm, 214.10 ± 5.24 μm, 215.30 ± 16.75 μm) than in B sites, Q. ilex having an opposite trend with a higher values in B sites (192.57 ± 41.20 μm) than in A sites
Summary
Atmospheric pollution is one of the most important problems in urban areas worldwide [1] [2] [3] having significant impacts on the population health, in cities. Vehicular traffic is one of the most significant sources of heavy metal emissions in urban areas, which has increased in the last years [6] [7] contributing by 57% - 75% to total emissions [8]. Plants may reduce metal pollution levels by accumulating particulate matter on their surfaces [14] [15]. As for plants, in comparison to annuals, trees trap and store more particles due to their larger total leaf surface area [21]. The basic criteria for the selection of plants for biomonitoring are that species should be present in a large number all over the monitoring area and widely spread, providing a high density of sampling points
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