Abstract
This research aims to extend the existing knowledge on air quality improvement by the arboreal–shrub heritage. The PM accumulation (PM10–100, PM2.5–10, and PM0.2–2.5 (µg·cm−2)) was measured with consolidated gravimetric techniques during spring, summer, and fall for 2160 leaf samples belonging to the basal, median, and apical part of the crown of 17 species located in the streets and parks of 2 European cities (Rimini and Krakow). On the same samples, the deposition (PM10 and PM2.5 (µg·cm−2·day−1)) was evaluated according to a model based on the wash-off rain effect. Quercus ilex accumulated more PMx than the other species in Rimini, while in Krakow, the highest accumulators were Pinus nigra for PM10–100, Tilia cordata for PM2.5–10, and Populus nigra for PM0.2–2.5. Only in Krakow was the capture capacity of some species affected by the street or park growing condition. The basal leaves showed greater PM10–100 accumulation than the median and apical ones. In Rimini, the total PM accumulation tended to increase throughout the year, while in Krakow, the opposite occurred. However, as the accumulation increased, the deposition decreased. The PM accumulation was reduced by rainfall and enhanced by the air PM concentration, while the wind speed effect was opposite, depending on the city. These findings are useful for directing decision makers in the design of greener, healthier, and sustainable cities.
Highlights
Particulate matter (PM) is the main non-gaseous pollutant in cities and consists of a dynamic and complex aggregate of organic and inorganic particles, either in a solid or liquid phase, suspended in the air [1,2]
In Rimini, the rainfall and wind speed were higher during spring compared with summer and fall; the opposite occurred for the air PM concentration
It revealed that needle-leaved species (Pinus nigra and Pinus pinea) and broadleaves with small, hairy, and waxy leaves (Quercus ilex) should be preferred, as they displayed the higher potential for air quality amelioration
Summary
Particulate matter (PM) is the main non-gaseous pollutant in cities and consists of a dynamic and complex aggregate of organic and inorganic particles, either in a solid or liquid phase, suspended in the air [1,2]. 0.001 to 100 μm [3], and according to it, PM is usually divided into large (10–100 μm), coarse (2.5–10 μm), and fine (0.2–2.5 μm) [2,4,5,6], even if in the literature there are other classifications which consider ultrafine particles (
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