The effectiveness of urban trees in reducing airborne particulate matter by dry deposition in Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Deposition of atmospheric pollution as particulate matter (PM) has become a serious issue in many urban areas. This study measured and estimated the amount of atmospheric PM deposition onto oriental plane (Platanus orientalis L.) trees located in Tehran Megapolis, Iran. PM deposited on the leaves of urban trees during spring and summer was estimated using leaf wash measurements. In addition to direct measurements, the dry deposition velocity and the yearly whole-tree PM deposition were estimated using both field measurements and a theoretical model of deposition flux. We estimated air quality improvement as a result of the trees at respiratory height (1.5m), tree height (10m), and boundary layer height (1719m). Foliar PM deposition during spring and summer was estimated to average 0.05g/leaf and 41.39g/tree using direct measurements. The annual PM deposited on the leaves, trunk, and branches of an average urban tree was calculated to be 78.60g/tree. Trees were estimated to improve air quality at 1.5m, 10m, and 1719m from ground level by 25.8%, 5.8%, and 0.1%, respectively. Hence, oriental plane trees substantially reduce PM at respiratory height.